Rising Stars 2021: Troy Banks

Troy Banks, 37
Manager, Huey P. Long Bridge/Facilities
New Orleans Public Belt Railroad

Nominator's quote: "[Troy's] leadership, safety mindset and dependability are the traits that make him a changemaker in the railroading industry. As a key member of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) senior management staff, Troy manages a very efficient department by leading by example. He is one of the most well-respected managers on the railroad, always striving to build strong relationships with his employees, and it is reflected through his team's daily hard work and productivity output." — Tomeka Watson-Bryant, New Orleans Public Belt Railroad

Education: Over the past 16 years while working for the NOPB, obtained many industry specific certifications, including being certified by the University of Tennessee-Knoxville for track inspections and safety standards. Also a graduate of L.E. Rabouin High School, New Orleans.

Job responsibilities: Manage 17 bridge employees and six NOPB facilities. Responsible for inspecting and maintaining the Huey P. Long Bridge, one of America's highest and longest steel bridges. Also responsible for overseeing the NOPB's fabrication sawmill, as NOPB fabricates its own bridge timbers for the Huey P. Long Bridge, requiring a total of 34,704 timbers.

Career path: Started in 2004 as a rigger offshore. After working offshore for two years, became a painter on the Huey P. Long Bridge for the NOPB. Since 2006, held multiple positions in the engineering craft, learning all aspects of the engineering department. In 2015, promoted to assistant bridge supervisor; in 2020, promoted to manager of Huey P. Long Bridge and Facilities.

How did you get into the railroad industry? Railroad has always been a part of my life. My father retired from the NOPB after working 33 years in the railroad industry. So, as many second generation railroaders would say, railroading is a part of me. I have seen firsthand the opportunity it has provided for my family, and I am thankful that I was given the opportunity to work in the railroad industry.

What is the best career advice you've received? The best career advice I've received is: "Your expectation of yourself should always be greater than what others expect from you." This advice has motivated me to continue to work hard every day to reach my goals.

What advice would you give to a new railroader? Always be a student of the industry. It is important to try to learn something new every day while on the job.

What was your very first Job? An AMC movie theater usher when I was 16 years old.

Describe a fun fact about yourself. I volunteer at CWSA Basketball Academy, where I help train and develop young basketball players in the community.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I enjoy traveling and seeing different parts of the world. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and of course, attending New Orleans Saints games.

What is the rail industry's biggest challenge? I personally believe the rail industry's biggest challenge is the lack of technology. While technology is improving, we are still far behind other industries in this area.