Rising Stars 2026: Brian Yeager 

Brian Yeager, 34 
Senior director of mechanical operations & support 
Norfolk Southern Railway 

Nominator’s quote: “Brian’s work is redefining what 'inspection' means in freight rail. He’s moved the industry from periodic, reactive checks toward continuous, data-driven health assessments that prevent problems before they disrupt service.” — submitted on behalf of NS 

Education: Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering with a minor in mathematics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte 
 
Job responsibilities: They include overseeing freight-car repair processes and engineering, managing wayside systems (including their development and deployment), and ensuring effective maintenance of NS’ freight-car fleet, and serving as a representative on multiple AAR committees. 
 
Describe your career path. 
I began my career with NS in 2013 as a co-op student at the Roanoke Locomotive Shop while completing my degree. After graduating in 2014, I joined full-time as a mechanical supervisor trainee at Shaffer’s Crossing Locomotive Shop in Roanoke, Virginia. 

Over the next several years, I advanced through a series of mechanical field management roles, building diverse operational experience across the network. From 2014 to 2021, I lived and worked in Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Georgia, developing a broad understanding of mechanical operations. 

Following an assignment in Macon, Georgia, I transitioned to NS headquarters in Atlanta, where I focused on developing and deploying innovative wayside technologies. After a few position changes and the successful, ongoing rollout of our 360º machine vision portals, wheel integrity system and wayside inspection corridors, I transitioned into my current role integrating legacy practices with advanced technologies. 
 
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? 
My first W-2 job was at age 16 as a ride operator at Carowinds amusement park. That experience quickly taught me the value of money — how to budget, manage expenses and understand automated payroll deductions (taxes). I learned how to communicate with complete strangers, have patience with unruly people and build relationships within a team.

 Working over 40 hours a week during the summer, I gained a clear perspective on the long-term limitations of that type of role. While I always viewed it as a high school summer job rather than a career, the experience helped motivate me to pursue higher education as a path to greater opportunities. 
 
What sparked your interest in the rail industry? What told you it could be a place for you to thrive? 
As a kid, I had a passion for transportation and heavy machinery; trains checked both boxes. Growing up in central New Jersey, I regularly crossed Conrail and New Jersey Transit tracks, and I was always fascinated by the power and speed of passing trains. That early interest came full circle in 2013 when an NS recruiter visited my college in Charlotte, North Carolina, confirming that this childhood passion could also lead to a highly rewarding career. 
 
What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your career? 
Not being afraid to make mistakes has been key — what matters is being able to justify decisions and learn from them. I also maintain a positive mindset; the more I was told something was improbable or impossible, the more motivated I became to prove otherwise. 
 
What are your passions outside of work? 
Keeping with the theme and passion for transportation, I earned my private pilot’s certificate in 2016 and enjoy taking to the skies in my 1962 Piper Cherokee whenever I can. Flying has sharpened my decision-making skills, deepened my respect for weather and given me a lasting appreciation for Bernoulli’s principle [i.e., the faster a fluid substance flows, the less outward pressure it exerts]. Even now, I’m still amazed every time the wheels leave the ground.  

 
How do you plan to keep making an impact in your corner of the industry?
Challenging the status quo is something I’ve embraced for several years and intend to continue doing well into the future. While railroading is a longstanding industry, the emergence of new technologies and data-driven insights is creating significant opportunities to modernize and drive it forward. I plan to carry this mindset into industry committees as well, helping to drive innovation and continuous improvement at a broader level. 
 
What’s the biggest challenge confronting the rail industry today? 
Retention and growth remain central challenges, but they also represent significant opportunities. Railroads are working to address talent retention in the face of demanding work conditions and evolving lifestyle expectations. While the industry continues to attract individuals who are passionate about railroading, building and sustaining that pipeline requires new thinking. At the same time, there is real momentum around identifying opportunities to expand, innovate and position the industry for long-term, sustainable growth.