Rising Stars 2024: John Klosowski

John Klosowski, 34
Assistant deputy director–maintenance of way compliance
MTA Metro-North Railroad

Nominator’s quote: “John is well known around the railroad for his dedication to the safety of our workforce, and his colleagues have the highest regard for the spirit of collaboration that he brings to every assignment and his extensive subject matter expertise.” — Catherine Rinaldi, MTA Metro-North Railroad

Education: An associate’s degree in occupied studies, carpentry and building trades; and an associate’s degree in applied sciences, fire protection technology, SUNY Dutchess.

Job responsibilities: Assist in operational-incident investigations; monitor FRA 213 track safety standards and streamline reports to digital platform; and work to reduce operational incidents, and employee and customer injuries.

Career path: I was a trackworker from 2017 to 2019, a field safety manager from 2019 to 2020 and a safety compliance officer-MOW from 2020 to 2023, until I was promoted to my current position.

How or why did you get into the rail industry? My best friend’s dad has worked in Metro-North Railroad’s power department for more than 35 years. He told us it was a great place to work. My younger brother and many of my friends from my neighborhood also work at Metro-North.

What’s the best career advice that you’ve received? Build relationships and create a reliable team to complete daily tasks and achieve long-term goals.

What advice would you give someone just starting out in their rail career? The little things really matter, so be attentive to detail. Worry about the things you can control, such as your attitude, showing up on time and helping your fellow co-worker. Learn your craft and continue to learn throughout your career.

What was your first job? I was a golf-cart attendant, a dishwasher and a kitchen assistant doing prep work for the chef. I also raked sand traps and did facility maintenance.

Share a fun fact about yourself. I enjoy exercising — either weight-training or trail running. In addition, I worked in fire-life safety as a volunteer for 17 years. I held the position of lieutenant for many of those years. I was a full-time fire equipment sales representative located in Connecticut.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? I’d love to have dinner with Jocko Willink, an American author, podcaster and retired lieutenant commander who served in the U.S. Navy SEALs. He Inspired me to become more disciplined and have a plan to execute goals and objectives both in my personnel and professional life.

Who has had the most influence on your career? My family instilled in me a sense of determination and dedication and an appreciation for opportunity. My family members taught me to respect others and the importance of integrity.

Describe a major obstacle in your career and how you surmounted it. My biggest challenge was being given a new position and initiative to reduce roadway worker protection (RWP) operational incidents. I partnered with subject-matter experts within Metro-North Railroad and asked questions. I collaborated with others to enhance my efforts and worked alongside those who are like-minded and want the best for our future and fellow employees.

I positioned myself on the front line, developing the cutting edge of implementations of changes. I worked to demonstrate how field forces and management could communicate.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the rail industry today? Our biggest challenges are developing training standards that reflect actual conditions in the field and relate them to every location within our territory; and tracking and reporting defects, efficiency and compliance for the Federal Railroad Administration-required publication and using that information to reduce vulnerabilities and project resources and work forces.