Rising Stars 2023: Jennifer White

Jennifer White, 36
President, COO
Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway

Nominator’s quote: “Jennifer is the first female president of the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railroad. She has made a great difference for the railroad since she was promoted to president in 2016. She has implemented a great team to search and help companies who are looking for rail service for transloading or are looking to locate properties along the 150 miles of track that the ACWRR owns.” — Doug Nixon, Atlantic Railways Co.

Education: University of North Carolina at Charlotte, B.S. in business management with a minor in psychology.

Job responsibilities: I am president and COO of Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway. We all know what it means when working for a short line railroad: We all wear many different hats to get the job done. We may be having a discussion about replacing power assemblies in a locomotive and the next minute we’re adjusting start times for crews to accommodate a customer’s needs.

Career path: After graduating from the University of North Carolina, I worked with a commercial real estate firm in Charlotte. This experience gave me a strong understanding of the commercial and industrial real estate industry, which has allowed us to expand on the railroad’s real estate portfolio for current and future freight customers.

How did you get into the rail industry? When we were younger, we used to drive across the country to vacation in different spots. We were always following the railroad tracks, chasing trains and camping near tracks. Little did we know our parents were making the railroad a normal part of our childhood. My brother, Anthony Menzies, and I are second-generation railroaders following in our dad’s footsteps.

What is the best career advice you’ve received so far? To never stop learning or get complacent. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by experienced railroaders and have the opportunity to learn from them every day. Railroading has changed since they started their careers. Learning the old way of railroading as well as the new way has been very helpful in problem-solving and decision-making on our railroad.

What advice would you give to a new railroader? Be reliable, dependable and coachable. Customers, team members and management depend on you. So, show up to work on time and ready to work, communicate effectively with your team and continue to be eager to learn and be taught.

What was your first job? Working at an after-school program for elementary-school kids.

Share a fun fact about yourself I have four boys at home — 15 months, 9, 11 and 13 years old and my husband is an active-duty Marine. Life is a beautiful chaos!

If you could have dinner with anyone alive in the world, who would it be and why? My parents. I still learn from them, still lean on them for support and always seek their advice and direction.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career and why? My dad's influence on my railroading career is significant because this railroad has now become a part of our family's legacy. His dedication, passion, and hard work in building and growing the railroad has inspired me to continue his vision and take it to the next level. He built this railroad with a vision and an abundance of perseverance.

As my brother Anthony and I take on the responsibility of transitioning the company to the second generation, we will undoubtedly draw on our dad's guidance and leadership to build upon the foundation he established and ensure the continued success of the company.

Describe a major obstacle in your career and how you surmounted it. My biggest obstacle and my ongoing goal are to provide a positive work culture for everyone at our railroad. I have learned that it is impossible to please everyone. But finding a way to foster a “family-like” work culture that values teamwork, inclusivity and employee well-being is important to all team members.

We are constantly evaluating and improving work processes; investing in employee development and training; and celebrating life events and accomplishments of our team members. This is one area I strive to keep at the forefront of all I do because our team members are what makes this railroad successful.