Rising Stars 2026: Rebecca LaRocco 

Rebecca LaRocco, 35 
Division billing manager 
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. 

Nominator’s quote: “Rebecca’s ability to translate complex industry rules into practical application, combined with her leadership across multiple railroads, demonstrates not only current impact but clear potential as a future industry leader helping modernize rail operations.” — William Empey, Genesee & Wyoming

Education: I began my college education early through a high school program at Olympic Community College in Bremerton, Washington, earning my associate degree a year after graduating high school. From there, I transferred to the University of Washington's Tacoma campus, where I earned my bachelor's in interdisciplinary arts and sciences with a concentration in psychology. 
 
Job responsibilities: I lead our team responsible for publishing all freight documents, tariffs, contracts, waivers, etc. My responsibilities include managing Rate EDI Network rates, the Serving Carrier/Reciprocal Switch customer identification file, station updates, embargoes, and collaborating on various projects to support our sales and marketing teams.  
 
Describe your career path. 
After I earned my bachelor's degree, my husband, who was in the US Navy at the time, and I relocated to the East coast in Kings Bay, Georgia. I spent a few years working in administration at the Navy Exchange on the base but wanted more room for professional growth. I came across G&W, applied, and was hired as a commercial support coordinator. Though I was completely new to the railroad industry, I was eager to learn. Over time, I took on more responsibilities, including supporting sales and marketing for the Canada Region, and managing special projects. Stepping up to new challenges allowed me to naturally grow into my current management role. 
 
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? 
My first job was at a motorcycle retail store, selling helmets and accessories. I quickly took on office duties as well after expressing interest in doing more. My manager became a great mentor to me in my role and helped shape who I am today. She taught me the foundation of a strong work ethic, specifically the importance of teamwork and maintaining a positive attitude no matter what comes your way. Funny enough, a G&W property’s tracks were right outside my first job’s window. I worked there for years without ever making the connection that I was driving past the tracks every day and looking at the industry where I'd eventually build my career! 
 
What sparked your interest in the rail industry? What told you it could be a place for you to thrive? 
I have always loved a good challenge. When I first applied to G&W, I didn't know anything about the rail industry and was hesitant about the hour-long commute to work with an infant in daycare and a husband in the Navy without family in the area to help us. However, my dad and my husband encouraged me to give it a shot, and I haven't looked back since! 
 
I feel I thrive because this is an industry where it’s completely impossible to never have anything to do; I quickly found there is always something to learn. It still amazes me how much there is to know about the railroad. I’ve also learned that several of my family members worked on the railroad in the past, so I feel a strong personal connection to the industry and hope to make them proud. 
 
What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your career? 
Never turn down an opportunity to learn something new and gain knowledge from others. The rail industry is constantly evolving, and I love the feeling of putting the puzzle pieces together, branching things I know and that I’ve learned, to make the full picture make sense at the end of the day. I’ve also learned the importance of staying open to change. Just because something has "always been done” a certain way doesn't mean it’s the best method today. I’m always looking for ways we can improve our efficiency and evolve.  
 
What are your passions outside of work? 
I love being outdoors, whether camping, traveling or just heading to the beach or the park with my husband and our two boys. I’m also an avid baker, mostly because I enjoy eating what I make! Aside from that, I am a passionate covert karaoke enthusiast; my concerts are strictly confined to my living room. I constantly have a song stuck in my head and enjoy every single genre of music, which is likely due to my old mix-CD days. I played the violin for years growing up and hope to pick up an instrument again soon. 
 
How do you plan to keep making an impact in your corner of the industry? 
I want to help modernize the industry by embracing technology to drive efficiency. When you look at how far we've come, from printing waybills on a specific type of paper to using EDI (electronic) messages today, the progress is incredible. I want to continue that momentum so we can provide customers with the seamless service they expect today, while also helping to mentor and bring on the next generation of passionate railroaders.  
 
What’s one of the biggest challenges confronting the rail industry today? 
The loss of institutional knowledge as longtime railroaders retire. Even as I approach my 10th year in the industry this November, I realize how much I still have to learn from them. The key challenge for us is successfully capturing that expertise and bringing new talent up to speed while simultaneously modernizing our technology and processes. I’m excited and feel blessed to be a part of paving the way of the future of the rail industry.