Rising Stars 2025: Erica Baer

Erica Baer, 37
Director, HR business partner
CSX

Nominator’s quote: “Erica is a true leader in everything she does, and she is not afraid to do the right thing and challenge others. She always wants what is best for the employees at CSX and for the business. She has a strong presence, influencing leaders at all levels to make CSX better every day.” — Kia Warren, CSX

Education: Michigan State University; studied construction management.

Job responsibilities: Support 8,700 engineering and mechanical employees from a human resources perspective. This includes employee development and innovative HR solutions that drive business results.

Describe your career path.
My career in railroading and HR has been unique. I began in the CSX engineering department 15 years ago as a management trainee, assisting track supervisors with planning track construction. I quickly advanced to track supervisor and then senior track supervisor, managing high tonnage freight and Amtrak routes with over 200 miles of track and ensuring train safety.

Later, I moved to human resources, leveraging my industry knowledge to manage full-cycle recruiting. Now, as an HR business partner, I lead a team that provides guidance on field operations and HR initiatives.

What sparked your interest in the rail industry?
My interest in railroads began after working for construction companies in college. I wanted to manage large-scale projects and be creative with my degree. The unique nature of the railroad industry fascinated me, and I'm proud to support operations and make a meaningful impact.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was as a waitress during high school. I recognized early on that I was good at interacting with people and attending to their needs. Serving regular customers and knowing their orders when they arrived was an enjoyable part of the job.

Working in any position, including serving food, offers an opportunity to positively impact someone's day. I still use those principles in my work today by helping CSX’s talent make a positive impact on the organization.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I have a real passion for baking. What started as a weekend hobby quickly turned into something much more meaningful — a creative outlet, a way to unwind and a source of joy for myself and those around me. Cookies are my specialty, but I bake cakes, pies, muffins and everything in between. There is nothing better than the first bite of a warm chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven.

Describe a valuable lesson that you have learned in your career.
Be curious and never stop learning. Starting off in engineering, I embarked on a whirlwind tour across eight states, living out of a suitcase for nine months. Leaving my beloved Michigan behind, I ventured into a quaint Ohio town. Each move and every risk were part of my thrilling career rollercoaster. I discovered that taking the road less traveled often leads to the most rewarding journeys. From solo missions to bold career moves, I've always been up for a challenge, and it's been an exhilarating ride.

How do you stay motivated and resilient when things get tough at work or in life?
For me, staying motivated during tough times comes down to reconnecting with a purpose. Behind every challenge is a person or team that needs support. Whether that is in my professional or personal life, it all comes down to the support we give and receive.

I also lean into habits that keep me steady: going for walks, setting small achievable goals, and surrounding myself with a network of individuals and teams that inspire me. I’ve learned that motivation not only comes from within, but staying committed to the bigger picture for my team, myself and my family.

If you could meet anyone in the world for dinner, who would it be and what would you want to talk about?
Kris Jenner! Kris is a businesswoman who also manages multiple roles, including being a mother. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, management and work can be challenging, especially while running a global business. Connecting with her about negotiation, brand-building and entrepreneurship would be extremely interesting.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the rail industry?
The changing workforce poses a significant challenge. Recruiting new talent is exciting but it is difficult to replace many years of knowledge. HR professionals must facilitate knowledge transfer, workforce planning, and organizational design to guide the next generation of railroaders. As an industry, thoughtful planning is crucial for continued success, especially given the specialized nature of railroad work.