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4/28/2021
Today, Progressive Railroading announced the names of 25 people chosen for recognition this year as Rising Stars in the North American railroad industry.
This is the ninth year Progressive Railroading has sponsored the Rising Stars Awards program. The magazine defines a Rising Star as someone under the age of 40 who has made, or is making, a positive impact on his or her company, organization, department or team, and is viewed by others — peers, colleagues, supervisors, clients or associates — as an up-and-coming leader in the rail industry.
During a nomination process that lasted several months, Progressive Railroading readers submitted more than 215 nominations of individuals who work for Class Is, regionals, short lines, passenger railroads, transit agencies, government, academic institutions, engineering firms, contractors and suppliers.
The award winners were chosen based on their contributions to railroading, as well as their career achievements, demonstrated leadership, professional association activity or community involvement. Their stories will be profiled on ProgressiveRailroading.com this summer and published in the magazine's September issue.
In addition, the Rising Stars for 2021 will be honored during a virtual ceremony to be held in July.
This year's Rising Stars, and the organizations they work for, are:
Harrison Armstrong, R.J. Corman Railroad Group LLCTroy Banks, New Orleans Public Belt RailroadStephani Bazata, Union Pacific RailroadChristopher Bennett, CSXErika Bruhnke, RailProsMohit Bhat, CNAmanda DeCesare, CSXJudith Espino Gonzalez, Kansas City Southern de MexicoAntonio Frazier, Union Pacific RailroadCarl Garrison, Union Pacific RailroadMatt Hemsath, Archer Western Construction LLCKimberly Howe, Siemens MobilityBrian Lapp, New Jersey TransitJoangelie Lind, Florida East Coast RailwayLaura Mason, Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation AuthorityCharlie Monte Verde, Genesee Valley TransportationPreston Nelson, WatcoAndrea Niethold, CNNicole Ochroch, Port Authority Transit Corp.Marcus Parrott, BNSF Railway Co.Ashley Reid, Canadian PacificKristen Scully, Canadian PacificNick Troutman, Pioneer RailcorpCarmen Wallace, Kansas City SouthernSean Winkler, Tai Ginsberg & Associates LLC