Progressive Railroading reveals the Risings Stars of 2025

Today, Progressive Railroading is announcing the 25 people chosen for recognition this year as Rising Stars in the North American railroad industry.

This is the 13th year for Progressive Railroading's Rising Stars Awards program. The magazine defines a Rising Star as someone under the age of 40 who has made, or is making, a positive impact on their company, organization, department or team, and is viewed by others — peers, colleagues, supervisors, clients or associates — as an up-and-coming leader in the rail industry.

During a nomination process that lasted two months, Progressive Railroading readers submitted nominations for over 130 individuals who work for Class Is, regionals, short lines, passenger railroads, transit agencies, government entities, associations, engineering firms, contractors or suppliers. The award winners were chosen based on their contributions to railroading, as well as their career achievements, demonstrated leadership, professional association activity and community involvement.

This year's winners will be profiled on ProgressiveRailroading.com in summer and recognized in the magazine's September issue. In addition, the Rising Stars of 2025 will be honored during a virtual ceremony to be held July 23.

This year's Rising Stars and the organizations they work for are:

Erica Baer, CSX 
Heidi Baker, REMSA
Steve Berish, Davenport Industrial Railroad
Keith Creasy, Wabtec Corp.
Michael Crosslin, Watco
Trevor Gillen, TTX Co.
Jonathan Healy, CSX
Curtis Hooper, Norfolk Southern Railway
Lauryn King, CSX
Michael Kraft, Amtrak
Kenn Leonhardt, AECOM
Rachel Lesser, Canadian Pacific Kansas City
Salina Martin, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Drew Mayer, BNSF Railway Co.
Meghan McClain, Union Pacific Railroad
Cole Pennington, Sierra Northern Railway
Jillian Place, Union Pacific Railroad
Rebecca Riehl, Port Authority Trans-Hudson
Aymel Sanchez, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
Maria Stahley, Burns Engineering Inc.
Josiah Stiemann, FTS Tools
Doug Svatos, Union Pacific Railroad
Lindsey Valdivia, CSX
Tomeka Watson Bryant, New Orleans Public Belt Railroad
Jake Weir, R.J. Corman Railroad Group