Rising Stars 2025: Curtis Hooper

Curtis Hooper, 26
Manager, core network infrastructure
Norfolk Southern Railway

Nominator’s quote: “Curtis’s impact extends well beyond technology. He has been a catalyst for cultural transformation within NS’s IT division. He spearheaded programs that elevated employee-driven innovation and personally led confidential listening sessions that shaped executive decision-making. His leadership helped build trust, amplify front-line voices and embed a culture of continuous improvement that is now integrated into the company’s digital modernization.” — submitted on behalf of NS

Education: Louisiana State University for freshmen and sophomore years, with two summer internships at NS. Completed Bachelor of Science degree in network operations and security, Western Governors University.

Current job responsibilities: Leads the team responsible for the enterprise network systems that power the company’s digital operations.

Describe your career path.
I began my career at NS as a network engineering intern in 2018 while still in college, later transitioning into a contractor role within the Network Operations Center (NOC) in 2019. After nearly two years in the NOC, I moved into a full-time engineering role on our field and wayside network team in late 2021. From there, I was promoted in spring 2024 to my current position as manager of core network infrastructure.

What sparked your interest in the rail industry?
Ironically, I’ve been fascinated by trains since I was a kid; like many, I was a devoted Thomas the Train fan. While that early interest faded as I got older, I’ve always been drawn to technology, especially when it intersects with the physical world in tangible, impactful ways.

I initially pursued an internship at NS through a family connection, not necessarily because of the rail industry but because I was excited about working with real infrastructure and enterprise-scale technology. Since then, I’ve stayed with the company because I genuinely enjoy the work, the culture and the sense of purpose behind what we do. It’s less that I sought out the rail industry, and more that it found me — and if you ask my parents, they’d say it was always meant to be.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
I was deeply involved in the performing arts. Throughout middle and high school, I had a strong passion for theater. In my later high school years and in college, I transitioned to a behind-the-scenes role, thanks to an opportunity from my former theater director, Trish Dry, who invited me to serve as a technical theater liaison for a middle school program.

That role allowed me to mentor students, support live productions and foster a love for the arts in a new generation.

More than anything, it taught me empathy, patience and how to lead by example, especially in high-pressure situations. Working with students at such a formative age revealed how critical it is to build trust, create psychological safety and work as a cohesive team.

Live theater also instilled in me the importance of preparation and execution — skills that translated directly to my work in IT. Just like in technology, in theater you often have one shot to get it right. That experience laid the foundation for how I approach leadership, accountability and teamwork today.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m actually a bit of a “fake extrovert.” I come across as confident, vocal and always ready to contribute, but that’s something I’ve had to intentionally develop. Over time, I’ve learned to push through that self-doubt because I recognize the importance of showing up with presence and conviction, especially in a leadership role.

What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned so far in your career? The importance of acting with conviction: speaking up when something isn’t right or when there’s an opportunity to improve. But conviction alone isn’t enough; it has to be paired with ownership. If you’re going to challenge something, bring a thoughtful solution to the table. That mindset turns criticism into progress and shows others that you’re invested in the outcome, not just the observation.

When things get tough — at work, in the industry or in life — how do you stay motivated and resilient?
For me, resilience starts with prioritizing mental health. It’s something I consistently advocate for within my teams, and I make it a point to lead by example. No matter how demanding things become, I’ve learned that stepping away to focus on what truly matters— family, friends and personal well-being — is essential. Staying grounded in what’s meaningful outside of work is what ultimately gives me the clarity and strength to lead through challenging times.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world today, who would it be and why?
If I had the chance to sit down with anyone, it would be Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta). Beyond being one of my favorite musical artists, I see her as one of the most intelligent, versatile and boundary-pushing figures of our time. She has consistently reinvented herself across industries, challenged expectations, and used her platform to advocate for mental health, inclusivity and social change.

I’d love to talk with her about what it means to lead with both vulnerability and strength, to stay authentic while constantly evolving, and to earn respect through excellence rather than conformity. Her ability to blend art, business, and advocacy into something larger than herself is something I find deeply inspiring.

From your perspective, what is the rail industry’s biggest challenge?
From my perspective, the rail industry faces a dual challenge: accelerating technological modernization and reshaping public perception. First, while technology now underpins nearly every aspect of rail operations, the industry’s legacy roots make widespread innovation complex. As expectations for safety, efficiency and customer experience continue to rise, railroads must adopt more advanced, data-driven systems to remain competitive and operationally agile.

Second, the industry must address a longstanding gap in public engagement. Outside of financial or industrial circles, rail lacks the cultural visibility and excitement that surrounds other forms of transportation. Legacy sectors like trucking have benefited from a wave of public interest through innovations like autonomous vehicles. For rail to evolve in the public eye, it must tell a more compelling story: one rooted in smart infrastructure, sustainability and innovation that captures both attention and imagination.