Rising Stars 2026: Jessica Lynn 

Jessica Lynn, 32 
Strategic sourcing manager of engineering services 
Watco 

Nominator’s quote: “Since joining Watco in 2023, she has demonstrated the leadership, technical expertise and collaborative spirit that exemplify the very best of our industry. Jessica's strong communication skills, initiative and industry knowledge have driven significant accomplishments across multiple areas of responsibility.” — Amie Proudfit, Watco

Education: Dual Bachelor of Science degrees in supply chain management and marketing, University of Tennessee. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in transportation and supply chain management. 
 
Job responsibilities: I lead the management and oversight of multiple national engineering services programs, including rail flaw detection, track geometry testing, vegetation management and track maintenance services. Responsibilities include the development and execution of strategic sourcing initiatives, contract negotiations, supplier management and ensuring contractual compliance across a diverse network of service providers. I also support Watco’s awarded Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant projects by developing RFPs, issuing notices of awards, executing contractor and material supply agreements, and quarterly progress reporting for each project.  
 
Describe your career path.  
I began my railroad career in 2017 as an assistant buyer in the procurement department at OmniTRAX in Denver. Within two years, I was promoted to procurement manager, assuming responsibility for engineering services, track materials, fuel, safety services and corporate national programs. I helped lead the evolution of the procurement department from tactical purchasing to strategic sourcing. In 2023, I joined Watco and initially focused on supplier development, where I enhanced supplier onboarding processes, strengthened contractual compliance and led process improvements within the company’s procure-to-pay system. In 2024, I expanded my responsibilities to oversee national railroad engineering service programs and support strategic sourcing efforts for Watco's CRISI grant projects. 
 
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?  
My first job was working in lawn care and building maintenance for my father's concrete and property management business. I often joke that he thought I was catching on a little too quickly in the office and wanted me to gain an appreciation for the physical labor side of the business. I spent many summers throughout high school and college mowing lawns, maintaining properties and working outdoors. That experience taught me the value of hard work, accountability and that there is no substitution for hard work. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career and continue to shape my leadership style and perspective today. 
 
What sparked your interest in the rail industry? What told you it could be a place for you to thrive? 
My first exposure to rail came during a transportation course in my final semester of college. What initially drew me in was the sense of stability and long-term opportunity the industry offers. Over time, that interest evolved into a deeper appreciation for rail’s foundational role in the building of our country, and its critical role in supply chain and economic growth.   
 
What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your career? 
The importance of understanding field and railroad operations. Having insight into what is happening at the railroad level is essential to delivering impactful support to our railroads, improving customer service and more effectively managing contract services, Of equal importance is the value of building and maintaining strong relationships. The railroad industry is a close-knit community and while people may move between companies over time, those relationships tend to remain. Maintaining those connections has proven to be invaluable in working through challenges more efficiently and has allowed for greater collaboration. 
 
What are your passions outside of work? 
I enjoy staying active through CrossFit, which has become a great outlet for me. Growing up in Colorado, I've always loved hiking and being outdoors. My husband and I discovered our wedding venue while hiking in Telluride, which made our wedding experience even more memorable! 
 
How do you plan to keep making an impact in your corner of the industry? 
By staying closely in tune with purchasing trends and market conditions that influence railroad contract services and materials. I will also continue to build on my understanding of broader commodities and economic drivers beyond my immediate scope to help refine purchasing decisions. Equally important is continuing to build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and contractors, as well as connections across the railroad industry to support further collaboration and learning opportunities. 
 
What’s the biggest challenge confronting the rail industry today?  
One of the biggest is uncertainty around the continuation of federal funding through programs such as the CRISI program. These funding opportunities have been instrumental in enabling critical infrastructure improvements across short-line railroads by enhancing safety, improving efficiency, and increasing load capacity to support customer growth and broader supply chain demands.