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9/10/2025
This month, we present the Rising Stars Class of 2025 — 25 professionals under the age of 40 who are making a difference in the North American rail realm.
Since 2013, when we launched our annual Rising Stars program, we’ve invited honorees to answer a series of questions designed to help us shed a bit more light on who these talented individuals are and why we believe (know) they’re rising. This year, their responses were compiled by Senior Editor Julie Sneider and Associate Editor Bridget Dean.
For me, the responses to our “What is the rail industry’s biggest challenge?” query stood out. In terms of major issues, workforce development (from attracting young professionals to retaining them to helping emerging leaders to learn to light the way) and technology (from adoption to implementation as a means to get better at this thing called railroading) were by far the most frequently mentioned. Eleven Rising Stars cited tech specifically and eight noted various workforce development concerns. One noted that tech and workforce are inexorably linked, challenge wise.
“The industry’s workforce is facing a challenge in attracting younger talent, which needs to be addressed, and we need to proactively adopt new technological solutions to overcome the barriers to progress,” said Salina Martin, director of the Department of Operation Program Delivery for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Nearly every response to the “biggest challenge” question noted or implied the need to come up with creative ways to remove said barriers. In addition to doing what they do now, today, very well, this year’s class is looking through the looking glass, smartly, and demonstrating what it means to lead. Which is fantastic.
Congratulations to this year’s Rising Stars. Thank you for working to remove barriers to progress from various corners of the rail realm. For thinking ahead and planning (and leading) accordingly. For making a difference.
Speaking of leadership: On Oct. 5-6, Progressive Railroading will present the second iteration of Propel, a leadership summit designed for high-potential rail professionals, at Convene in Chicago’s loop.
Iteration Two of Propel will feature a fresh lineup of speakers, skill-building sessions and real-world leadership sessions designed for professionals ready to step into what’s next.
The hands-on skill-building sessions once again will be facilitated by the engaging Matt Meuleners, executive partner at FOCUS Trainer. Additional sessions include panels featuring a range of North American rail leaders: Maryclare Keeney, vice president of sales and marketing, CSX; Linda Laurello, CEO, Delta Railroad Services; Falyn Coleman-Wright, VP of business development, Accommodations Plus International; Jonathan Beck, director of business solutions, TransmetriQ — a Railinc Brand; Laura McNichol, senior VP and chief sustainability officer, Watco; Zachary Boehme, SVP of sales-railroad, Watco; and Michele Malski, president/founder, SPRING.
Last year’s Propel was one of the most energizing rail events I’ve experienced. To me, it was a platform (and for some, maybe even a springboard) for the best kind of dimensional interactive content: the human kind. So I hope you’ll join us. To obtain more information on Propel 2025 or to register, visit https://www.railtrends.com/propel/2025.