From the Editor — When tech is a ticket to rise

Since 2013, we’ve asked members of each year’s Rising Stars class to answer a series of questions designed to help us shed light on who they are. Their responses, we hope, help us demonstrate how these 25 rail industry professionals under the age of 40 are making a positive difference.

In their answers to this year’s questions, the Rising Stars Class of 2026 talked about and talked up technology more than any previous class, I think: They discussed the need for more tech, the industry’s embrace of it and the role tech needs to continue to play to help move rail forward.

Adopting technology a bit more rapidly and intelligently (i.e., re-thinking processes and reimagining the future accordingly) is one of the industry’s biggest challenges, this year’s class told us. It’s also a crucial element in their capacity to make an impact within their respective industry spheres, class members said.

Here are a few of my favorite tech-related responses from the 2026 Rising Stars:

• “I saw an industry with deep institutional knowledge, but also one that was actively evolving and integrating new technologies.” — Luis Carrasquero, deputy chief operating officer, Metrolink/Southern California Regional Rail Authority
• “The combination of technical challenge, shared accountability and real-world impact made it clear this was a place where I could thrive. ... Innovation is not just about new technology — it is about rethinking how we work, seeing new possibilities and helping others turn better ideas into lasting results.” — Timothy Chung, director, energy management, CN
• “I want to help modernize the industry by embracing technology to drive efficiency. When you look at how far we’ve come … the progress is incredible. I want to continue that momentum.” — Rebecca LaRocco, division billing manager, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
• “[I will continue to make an impact] by looking for opportunities where data science and AI can improve efficiency and decision-making. … There is a lot of potential for innovation. I want to be part of bringing practical, useful solutions to the industry.” — Kiera Sobolewski, specialist, data science & AI, CPKC
• “[I’ll continue to challenge] the status quo. New technologies and data-driven insights are creating significant opportunities to modernize railroading and drive it forward.” — Brian Yeager, senior director of mechanical operations and support, Norfolk Southern Railway
• “The future will belong to railroads that can modernize intelligently, optimizing maintenance strategies and equipping their workforce to operate in a more data-driven, technology-enabled environment.” — David Miller, general director of locomotive maintenance and reliability, BNSF Railway

The future also belongs to this year’s Rising Stars honorees.

To the Stars: Thanks for doing what you’ve done, what you’re doing and what you will do to keep rising. To keep yourselves — and the industry — moving forward.