Job history: Kim Hastings joined GFT 21 years ago. She started as a construction inspector, advanced to assistant construction manager, senior construction manager, and now serves as AVP, freight construction group leader.

Why she's influential as a leader: Kim's influence is apparent on complex, multiparty programs. Her work spans Class I capital programs and intermodal expansions nationwide, including Union Pacific Railroad's Global IV intermodal facility improvements, BNSF Railway's Amarillo capacity work and CREATE Englewood design support. She aligns contractors, dispatch, signals and structures around clear work windows and clean handoffs.

Kim also strengthens the firm's talent pipeline and culture by recruiting, mentoring and training early career staff. She staffs career fairs, speaks openly about paths into rail construction, and follows through with rotations in inspection materials and construction management so that new staff will build broad judgment, not narrow task skills.

She serves on GFT's Connected Women Steering Committee to help guide programs for inclusion, connection and growth for women in the company. Retention continues to improve because she serves as a leader who invests in future growth.