Rising Star: Gregory Grissom

Gregory Grissom [AGE 36]

Vice President Engineering
Georgetown Rail Equipment Co.

Gregory Grissom's career in railroad design and railway engineering research spans more than 14 years. While at ZETA-TECH Associates Inc. and later as a project manager at HNTB Corp., he worked on major track projects for freight and passenger railroads, such as the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad's proposed Powder River Basin expansion and the Chicago-to-St. Louis high-speed rail corridor.

As vice president in charge of engineering, research and development at Georgetown Rail Equipment, which he joined in 2011, Grissom oversees development of the company's inspection technology products that railroads use to maintain ties and ballast.

He discovered his interest in railroading at the University of Delaware, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering. He is an active member of AREMA, where he chairs Committee 30 (Ties).

"He is rapidly becoming a leader in the industry," says Neal McCulloch, a geotechnical engineer who worked with Grissom on the Powder River Basin project in 2007. "I can only imagine where the next 30 years of his career will take him."

Among Grissom's mentors?

The late Dr. Arnold Kerr, professor of civil engineering at the University of Delaware and an internationally known expert in railway track engineering. "He was the biggest influence in getting me into the rail industry," says Grissom.

An interesting fact?

Each of his and wife Allison's children — ages 6, 5 and 2 — was born in a different state: New Jersey, South Dakota and Nebraska, respectively.

His favorite after-work activities?

Spending time with family; working out at the gym; golfing; playing Frisbee with dog Toby.

Five-year career plan?

"I see the next five years focused on creating and advancing technology-based railroad solutions to support decision making, resource allocation, and most important, safety. I also see myself continuing to be involved in rail organizations like AREMA, and helping to shape recommended practices."