Rising Stars 2026: Annie Harris

Annie Harris, 36 
Project manager – utilities
RailPros

Nominator’s quote: “Annie has excelled as a leader through her ability to build genuine connections with clients, applicants, and coworkers alike — she is able to meet each individual where they are at. Annie’s peers, clients, and applicants all view her as a leader due to her ability to connect with others, listen thoughtfully, build understanding and hold others accountable.” — Ananda Boardman, RailPros

Education: John Carroll University

Job responsibilities: Project management lead for all utility and third-party projects for Class I, short lines and transit clients requiring construction observation. Serves as the liaison between the applicant, RailPros, and the railroad to ensure projects are completed in accordance with approved plans and agreements.

Briefly describe your career path. 
I started my career with a large natural gas utility company, where I was tasked with managing railroad right-of-way (ROW) applications for crossings and encroachments. After five years, I was recruited to RailPros to use my utility knowledge with managing utility and third-party projects impacting railroad ROW.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first role was in the ROW department at a natural gas company. That experience taught me quickly that relationships are everything, both internally and externally.

I learned that technical knowledge and processes matter, but the ability to communicate clearly, build trust and maintain strong working relationships is what really keeps projects moving forward. It also taught me a lot about myself. I realized I’m someone who values collaboration, problem solving and finding common ground between different groups with different priorities.

The job gave me an early understanding of how interconnected organizations are and how much success depends on people being able to work well together, especially in industries where coordination, timing and public relationships are critical.

What sparked your interest in the rail industry? What told you it could be a place for you to thrive?
I got into rail through my role at the natural gas company, where I worked extensively on permitting railroad projects. Through that experience, I regularly collaborated with railroad representatives and the RailPros construction observation team. The more I worked with them, the more I realized rail was an industry where I could really thrive. I was drawn to the level of coordination, problem solving and relationship building involved in railroad projects. Seeing how RailPros operated and interacted with clients showed me a culture that valued teamwork, communication and accountability, qualities that aligned closely with my own strengths and work style.

Those experiences ultimately led me to pursue an opportunity with RailPros, where I felt I could continue growing professionally while working in an industry that plays a critical role in infrastructure and operations.

What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your career?
I believe the value of building relationships is the most important lesson I have learned so far. From building relationships with utilities, contractors, railroads and other involved parties, gaining compliance and enforcing standards is significantly easier when there is a relationship in place.

What are your passions outside of work?
As a mother of a special-needs daughter, I am passionate about advocating for accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling together. Our favorite destination is Chautauqua Lake, New York, where my husband and I were married in 2019. It is a place that holds special memories for our family and remains one of our favorite places to visit.

How do you plan to keep making an impact in your corner of the industry?
I try to meet people where they are and simplify the railroad process, to help improve compliance with important railroad engineering and safety requirements.

What's the biggest challenge confronting the rail industry today?
I believe recruiting young people into the industry is our biggest challenge. Coming into the work force, I was unaware of the growth that the rail industry allows and believe many others are unaware, as well.