Rising Stars 2021: Kimberly Howe

Kimberly Howe, 39
Logistics manager
Siemens Mobility Inc.

Nominator's quote: “Good managers are the strongest asset for any company. But young, rising leaders like Kimberly are priceless and bring immeasurable value, not only for the company and its customers, but through the broader industry, and its direct communities as well.” — Elizabeth Cho, Siemens Mobility

Education: Purdue University, B.S., industrial engineering.

Job responsibilities: Leads a team of buyers, production planners, warehouse personnel and manufacturing engineers focused on material movement and flow throughout the supply chain.

Career path: Started with Siemens as part of the operations leadership development program. Spent two years rotating through four different factories for six months each. In Alpharetta, Georgia, worked as a production planner, warehouse and production supervisor in operations before starting current role as logistics manager.

How did you get into the railroad industry? The Alpharetta factory was known for assembling products serving a variety of industries. In 2018, the factory became solely a Siemens Mobility location so train components are our specialty.

What is the best career advice you've received? Take time to reflect. I know that I can always improve. A way to do that is to be purposeful in self-reflection, striving to be better than the day before.

What advice would you give to a new railroader? Think big picture. There will always be details that require focus, but think about the purpose of those details. The work is for the railroad industry, we are affecting the way people and goods are moved — now that is a great job.

What was your very first job? I worked at a property management office converting computer files to avoid the Y2K bug.

Describe a fun fact about yourself: I love to travel and was able to spend Thanksgiving 2019 in Thailand and China — a wonderful adventure.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Anything with my family, (such as) traveling, bike rides, amusement parks, front lawn kickball and Friday night movie marathons.

What is the rail industry's biggest challenge? Until trains can compete with the availability, speed and flexibility that cars and planes can offer, the perception of larger-scale train usage will be hard to change.