Job history: Sherri started with the company as an assistant conductor, then advanced to conductor and locomotive engineer before starting as an operations supervisor. She then was promoted to trainmaster and manager of terminal operations.

Why she's influential as an innovator: Sherri made history as the railroad's first female trainmaster. From the start, she brought a people-first approach to leadership grounded in empathy, respect and understanding. Today, in her role as manager of terminal operations, she continues to pioneer practices that put psychological safety and employee wellbeing at the heart of the railroad's culture. Sherri co-developed the railroad's close-call reporting program, giving employees a way to share safety concerns before they become incidents. She improved shift structures in operations, which reduced fatigue.

She also provides direct crisis intervention, ensuring no one feels alone after difficult events. Most notably, Sherri led the creation of a virtual health program that provides employees 24/7 access to doctors, free prescription delivery and timely access to mental health professionals. Combined with a dedicated app, the initiative has made care immediate and accessible across the organization.

Sherri has redefined how the company responds to employees involved in critical incidents. Although railroads traditionally have focused on operational recovery, Sherri recognized the need to prioritize human recovery with post-incident care that acknowledges the emotional and psychological toll such experiences can take on employees.