Job description: Katherine entered the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) environment as a customer service manager with the agency's operations and maintenance contractor. In that role, she became known for understanding rider needs, then translating feedback into improvements and strengthening the connection between front-line operations and the customer experience. MARC then hired Katherine in 2016 as assistant chief transportation officer.

Why she's influential as a leader: As assistant CTO, Katherine supported daily operations, guided teams through service disruptions, and built strong working relationships across departments and with MARC's contractor partners. Her success in that role led to her promotion to CTO, where she now oversees the full scope of MARC Train operations.

As CTO, she guides operations through service disruptions, equipment challenges, weather events and daily pressures. She sets a clear vision for safe, reliable, people-centered service, and brings teams with her by creating an environment where individuals feel valued and able to excel. She encourages initiative and innovation at every level, and aligns those efforts with the agency's broader goals.

Whether she is handling a major disruption or guiding the team through an emerging issue, Katherine responds with measured judgment and quick clarity. Her influence extends well beyond MARC. She is respected throughout the Maryland Transit Administration as a leader whose judgment is trusted. She collaborates across departments, breaks down barriers and elevates the entire organization.