Progressive Railroading names 20 'Rising Stars' of railroading

Today, Progressive Railroading is announcing 20 individuals selected by the magazine's editorial staff as the "Rising Stars" of North America's railroad industry in 2013.

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 two-month nomination process conducted earlier this year, Progressive Railroading readers submitted more than 100 nominations of individuals who work for Class Is, regionals, short lines, passenger railroads, transit agencies, government agencies, academic institutions, engineering firms or suppliers.

The 20 Rising Star finalists were chosen based on their contributions to railroading, career achievements, education and training, demonstrated leadership, professional association activity and/or community involvement. They will be profiled in an article to be published in Progressive Railroading's September issue.

The Rising Stars for 2013 are:

• Fiailoa Ah Sue, project engineer, Metrolink
• Shelli Austin, vice president, IDS Transportation Services L.L.C.
• Ashley Backhus, corporate trade show manager, TranSystems Corp.
• Chris Bagwell, project manager, Great Lakes Central Railroad
• Samuel Betten, management trainee engineering and design, Norfolk Southern Railway
• Walter Bleser, railway technology manager, HNTB Corp.
• Emanuel Couto, assistant superintendent, New Jersey Transit
• Husein Cumber, executive vice president, Florida East Coast Industries
• Chris Daloisio, president, Railroad Constructors Inc.
• Gregory Grissom, vice president-engineering, Georgetown Rail Equipment Co.
• Erik Johanson, strategy and sustainability planner, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
• Shawntell Kroese, assistant vice president-intermodal sales, Union Pacific Railroad
• Michelle Muhlanger, deputy regional administrator, Federal Railroad Administration
• Martita Mullen, senior manager of engineering standards, CN
• Elan Neal, director-car hire, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
• Kevin Nichter, director, product line management, Lilee Systems
• Joshua Raymond, principal officer of corporate strategy, Amtrak
• Chad Rolstad, director of strategic sourcing and supply, BNSF Railway Co.
• Marlon Taylor, director of operations, Pacific Harbor Line Inc.
• Justin Vonashek, director of regulatory compliance, Metra