Job history: Emily has been Southern Railway's longest standing person on the current executive team; she has been a continued steward for environment and sustainability.

Why she's influential in sustainability: Emily has been a driving force behind Southern Railway's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace solutions to shared industry challenges. Short lines face many of the same environmental and regulatory pressures that larger railroads face; Emily ensures Southern Railway isn't left behind in the sustainability conversation.

She has championed Southern Railway's pursuit of alternative fuel sources by participating in projects involving both hydrogen fuel cells and biodiesel. In particular, she was instrumental in helping secure funding and resources for the railroad's mechanical team to test biodiesel across its locomotive fleet. Due to her leadership, the railroad's fleet will become fully converted to biodiesel. Her detailed analysis of data sets has guided critical decisions and built confidence in the program.

Emily also represents Southern Railway on the Railway Association of Canada's Environmental Committee, where she contributes on issues of emissions, alternative fuels, spill response and the safe handling of environmentally sensitive cargo.