Rising Stars 2025: Heidi Baker

Heidi Baker, 37
Director of trade shows and marketing
Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association

Nominator’s quote: “[Heidi] is driven and always up for taking on a challenge with a sunny demeanor. She has been integral to the association these last few years and has made a positive mark on the rail industry in her relatively short time in this role.” — Urszula Soucie, REMSA

Education: Bachelor of Arts in government, University of Virginia; Master of Professional Studies in sports management/marketing, Georgetown University.

Job responsibilities: Oversee and manage REMSA events, including planning Railway Interchange; exhibits with the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC)-REMSA Exhibition; and REMSA supplier showcases at the North American Maintenance Railway Club. Also, manage REMSA’s social media and marketing.

Briefly describe your career path.
As an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia, I was a student manager for the football team and had an interest in working in sports, but my first job after college was at a museum, working in operations and special events.

I moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue a graduate degree with hopes of finding a career in the sports industry. But after a few internships, I realized that I like attending sporting events more than working them. My first job after grad school was as a marketing coordinator for an IT staffing company focusing on trade shows and events. Next, I managed marketing and promotions for an association in the investment industry, before joining REMSA in 2021.

What sparked your interest in the rail industry?
My husband attended Railway Interchange in 2019 and picked up a promo poncho at the REMSA booth, which we stored in a closet when he got home and took with us on a vacation to Costa Rica. In 2021, I was looking for a new job and saw a listing for REMSA and recognized it as the company from the poncho. I shared a picture of me wearing it on that trip during my interview, and the rest is history.

What was your very first job and what did it teach you?
I worked in a pro shop at a golf course. While I learned some valuable lessons in customer service and the value of teamwork, I regret not learning more golf.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m the reigning champion, three years running, for baking the best chocolate chip cookie at the Arlington County (Virginia) Fair.

What is one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned so far in your career?
The importance of adaptability. No matter how much you plan and prepare for an event, unexpected challenges may arise. Being prepared — with multiple contingency plans and working with a team with a flexible, problem-solving mindset — has helped me find success in my career when unforeseen challenges arise.

How do you stay resilient when things get tough at work, in the industry or in life?
I rely on consistency to stay motivated and resilient. I’m part of a running group and am currently on day 836 of a daily running streak. Every day, I carve out time to run, even if it’s only a mile. The daily commitment has taught me, for both life and work, that showing up is a huge first step. Being persistent and intentional has paid off in both my personal and professional life.

If you could share a meal with anyone alive in the world today, who would it be and what would you want to talk about?
I would love to have dinner with Taylor Swift. As a fan, I’m interested in how she’s built her business and tells her story, but I’d probably be most interested in talking to her about our pet cats!

In your view, what is the biggest challenge facing the rail industry today?
Navigating economic uncertainty. In this environment, every investment needs to show a clear return on investment, and justifying an innovative but expensive solution may be challenging. I hope that my role in planning REMSA events promotes collaboration and highlights how our members’ innovations contribute to a safer and more efficient future for rail.