2025 Rising Star Honorees

The 2025 Rising Star finalists were chosen based on their contributions to railroading, career achievements, education, demonstrated leadership, professional association activity and/or community involvement.


 

Erica Baer
Erica Baer
CSX

Heidi Baker
Heidi Baker
REMSA

Steve Berish
Steve Berish
Davenport Industrial Railroad


Keith Creasy
Keith Creasy
Wabtec Corp.

Michael Crosslin
Michael Crosslin
Watco

Trevor Gillen
Trevor Gillen
TTX Co.


Jonathan Healy
Jonathan Healy
CSX

Curtis Hooper
Curtis Hooper
Norfolk Southern Railway

Lauryn King
Lauryn King
CSX


Michael Kraft
Michael Kraft
Amtrak

Kenn Leonhardt
Kenn Leonhardt
AECOM

Rachel Lesser
Rachel Lesser
Canadian Pacific Kansas City

Salina Martin
Salina Martin
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Drew Mayer
Drew Mayer
BNSF Railway Co.

Meghan McClain
Meghan McClain
Union Pacific Railroad


Cole Pennington
Cole Pennington
Sierra Northern Railway

Jillian Place
Jillian Place
Union Pacific Railroad

Rebecca Riehl
Rebecca Riehl
Port Authority Trans-Hudson


Aymel Sanchez
Aymel Sanchez
Genesee & Wyoming Inc.

Maria Stahley
Maria Stahley
Garg Consulting Services, Inc.

Josiah Stiemann
Josiah Stiemann
FTS Tools


Doug Svatos
Doug Svatos
Union Pacific Railroad

Lindsey Valdivia
Lindsey Valdivia
CSX

Tomeka Watson Bryant
Tomeka Watson Bryant
New Orleans Public Belt Railroad


Jake Wier
Jake Wier
R.J. Corman Railroad Group




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