Progressive Railroading announces Rising Stars for 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 LLC
Troy Banks, New Orleans Public Belt Railroad
Stephani Bazata, Union Pacific Railroad
Christopher Bennett, CSX
Erika Bruhnke, RailPros
Mohit Bhat, CN
Amanda DeCesare, CSX
Judith Espino Gonzalez, Kansas City Southern de Mexico
Antonio Frazier, Union Pacific Railroad
Carl Garrison, Union Pacific Railroad
Matt Hemsath, Archer Western Construction LLC
Kimberly Howe, Siemens Mobility
Brian Lapp, New Jersey Transit
Joangelie Lind, Florida East Coast Railway
Laura Mason, Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority
Charlie Monte Verde, Genesee Valley Transportation
Preston Nelson, Watco
Andrea Niethold, CN
Nicole Ochroch, Port Authority Transit Corp.
Marcus Parrott, BNSF Railway Co.
Ashley Reid, Canadian Pacific
Kristen Scully, Canadian Pacific
Nick Troutman, Pioneer Railcorp
Carmen Wallace, Kansas City Southern
Sean Winkler, Tai Ginsberg & Associates LLC