Rising Stars 2025: Jillian Place

Jillian Place, 36
Director of track maintenance
Union Pacific Railroad

Nominator’s quote: “Jillian’s leadership skills are a cornerstone of her success. She excels in building and leading cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing work environment. With a focus on mentorship and professional development, she empowers her team members to grow and thrive while achieving operational excellence.” — Tonya Eggspuehler, Union Pacific Railroad

Education: Associate degrees in arts and science, Alpena Community College; bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Michigan Technological University; master’s degree in executive management and construction, Northwestern University.

Job responsibilities: Leads maintenance and construction operations for the commuter territory in the Chicago area. Responsibilities include overseeing track, signal, bridge and building departments; managing a team of 350 employees; delivering infrastructure projects that support safe and efficient freight- and commuter-rail service.

Briefly describe your career path.
I began my career with Union Pacific Railroad as a management trainee, traveling across the country to learn all aspects of track maintenance and construction. I then worked in the Dallas/Fort Worth area supporting track maintenance operations in the hump yard and surrounding territory.

From there, I moved to Wichita, Kansas, as a manager of track maintenance. I later relocated to Chicago, where I served as manager of track construction and then as senior manager of track maintenance for the commuter territory, which then led me to my current role.

What sparked your interest in the rail industry?
While at Michigan Technological University, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Finland, taking classes in international railroading and Finnish language and culture. That experience sparked my interest in the rail industry. I continued exploring that interest through a rail design course during my senior year. From there, it only made sense to pursue railroad opportunities at our career fair. That’s where I connected with multiple Class I railroads and ultimately accepted a position as a management trainee with Union Pacific after graduation. (And no, I don’t remember any Finnish.)

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was working as a receptionist at my mom’s hair salon. I handled everything from sweeping floors and folding towels to checking in clients, answering phones and processing payments. It was my first experience with customer service and understanding the importance of making people feel welcome and cared for. I also learned that every small task — no matter how routine — is essential to the overall success of the business. Those lessons about teamwork and attention to detail were learned early and supported by growing up around the family business.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I was on a concrete canoe team during college —and not just any team, but one that competed at the national level. We designed, built and raced a canoe made entirely of concrete, which was a challenging and unforgettable experience. The team was also where I met my husband and built some of my strongest friendships. It’s a fun reminder that engineering isn’t just about textbooks — it’s also about creativity, hands-on problem-solving and lifelong connections.

What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned so far in your career?
Leadership is about people first. You can have the best technical skills in the world, but if you can’t connect with your team, support them and help them grow, you’ll never achieve lasting success. I've learned that mentorship, empathy and strong communication are just as critical as engineering expertise.

How do you stay resilient and motivated when things get tough at work, in the industry or in life?
I ground myself in purpose and take it one step at a time. I know the work we do truly impacts people’s lives — whether it’s moving goods, ensuring safe commutes or shaping a more efficient future. When challenges arise, I remind myself that progress is made day by day, and together with my team and family, we always find a way through. My two young children keep me grounded, and their energy reminds me what I’m working for.

If you could share a meal with anyone alive in the world today, who would it be and why?
As a passionate foodie, I’d love to have dinner with Chef Stephanie Izard. I admire not only her culinary talent and creativity but also her journey as a trailblazing woman in a highly competitive industry. I would want to talk about how she stays inspired to keep innovating, how she leads her teams and what advice she has for breaking barriers — and how to use those lessons to inspire leadership and teamwork, whether in the kitchen or on the railroad. Plus, you know dinner would be amazing.

From your perspective, what’s the biggest challenge facing the rail industry today?
One of the biggest challenges is shifting the workforce culture to attract and retain the next generation — especially women and younger professionals. The railroad has traditionally demanded long hours, physical presence and a tough mentality, which doesn’t always align with what today’s workforce values: flexibility, work-life balance and a sense of purpose. If we want to build a stronger future, we need to reimagine how we lead, communicate and support our teams — without compromising the safety and reliability the industry depends on.