Rising Stars 2022: Trevor Pusch

Trevor Pusch, 32
Senior corporate counsel and assistant secretary
Anacostia Rail Holdings Co.

Nominator’s quote: “In four short years, Trevor has grown from a railroad industry neophyte to a highly effective member of the Anacostia management team.” — Mark Sidman, Anacostia Rail Holdings Co.

Education: B.A. in business administration, Stetson University; J.D., Emory University School of Law.

Job responsibilities: Advise Anacostia Rail Holdings Co. and its subsidiary and affiliate companies on a broad range of legal matters, including dealings with federal and state regulators. Chair of the Anacostia environmental working group, is a company-wide initiative to identify opportunities to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

Career path: Started a short-term fellowship with the National Association of Attorneys General after law school, then worked as an associate at a small firm in northern Virginia focusing on intellectual property, corporate law and employment litigation. In 2017, joined Anacostia as a general attorney, and in 2021, was promoted to senior corporate counsel and assistant secretary.

How did you get into the railroad industry? After almost two years at the law firm, I was looking for a new opportunity when I discovered the position with Anacostia. Despite having no railroad experience, or any experience in a related industry, Anacostia General Counsel Mark Sidman took a chance by offering me the position.

What is the best career advice you’ve received? Judgment is a critical skill that generally comes with experience. Know what you don’t know.

What advice would you give to a new railroader? I have two pieces of advice: One, participate in as many on-site visits, in-person events and ride-alongs as you can. When I was new to the industry, I found the best way to learn about the railroad and railroad terminology was visually. Two, utilize and participate in railroad industry associations. The relationships you build with other members will be helpful in the future.

What was your very first job? I grew up in Florida and worked at Publix when I turned 15.

Describe a fun fact about yourself. I am an avid Chelsea Football Club and U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team supporter. I attended the 2016 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and I eagerly await 2026, when the World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Cycling, taking trips to the beach and spending time with my family. My fiancé and I welcomed our first child in late 2021.

How has the pandemic changed your views of your career and life in general? Like others in the industry, my responsibilities changed significantly during the pandemic. Throughout 2020, Anacostia worked to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees and maintain the flow of goods to all our customers. Anacostia railroads operate in six different states, and navigating the various state and federal COVID-related policies and requirements became a large part of my responsibilities. I continue to place significant value on the ability to work remotely so I can spend more time with my fiancé and son.