Job history: Kristen joined NS 12 years ago as an entry-level customer account representative; over that time, she evolved into a trusted financial leader who now shapes the company's enterprise-wide profitability strategy. Today, as director of profitability, she leads a cross-departmental team responsible for helping the company align commercial, operational and financial strategies to strengthen long-term performance.

Why she's influential as a leader: Her influence is reflected in the trust she has earned from executive leadership, the consistency of her results and her ability to lead teams through complex, high-stakes financial environments. Kristen leads a team responsible for unlocking revenue opportunities, strengthening pricing strategy and supporting long-term profitability. She modernized how the company evaluates revenue opportunities; and launched open-house sessions with commercial teams and other practices that increased transparency, rebuilt trust and created shared ownership of financial outcomes.

Beyond her direct responsibilities, Kristen has had an impact on NS' culture and talent pipeline. She previously served as president of the YoungNS and Norfolk Leadership Council, where she supported professional development programming, peer engagement and early career retention. She is known as a leader who listens, provides clarity and invests in developing her teams. Kristen exemplifies the leadership qualities the rail industry needs as it navigates economic, operational and technological change.