OMAHA, Neb. – Eric L. Butler, Union Pacific vice president – supply, has received the Durham Western Heritage Museum African-American Heritage Award.
The award recognizes outstanding African-Americans in the areas of business, community, education and religion. Butler is to be honored in a ceremony tonight at the museum, located in the former Omaha Union Station.
“Eric is a true professional. We are lucky to have a man of his talents working for us,” said Ike Evans, UP president, who noted that Eric oversees the purchasing, warehousing and logistics of the railroad’s $4 billion in annual purchases.
“I very much appreciate receiving this honor,” Butler said.
Butler, a native of New York City and a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa., joined Union Pacific after receiving his Master of Science in Industrial Administration degree in 1986. Since joining UP, he has held positions in finance, accounting, operations analysis, human resources and purchasing.
In his current role he is an active advocate and supporter of the Great Plains Minority Supplier Purchasing Council.
Butler has served as a board member for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Omaha Children’s Theater, Family Services Agency and the North Omaha Good News Bears. He is a volunteer at the Douglas County Correctional Facility. He also has served on the task force for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and is a lifetime member of the Urban League. He currently sits on the board of the Omaha Community Foundation.
He is an ordained minister serving at the Joy of Life Ministries in Omaha.
He and his wife Cynthia and their three children live in Omaha.
