Video: Q&A with 2022 Rising Star Kelly Pilarski

8/25/2022

Rising Stars 2022 Award winner Kelly Pilarski, 37, is supervising engineer at WSP USA. Her mega-project work includes serving as deputy project manager and owner’s representative for the $1.6 billion Moynihan Train Hall transformation project in New York City.  

WSP Senior Vice President Carol Decker, who nominated Pilarski for the Rising Stars Award, says the iconic train hall’s rebuild required a leader with the acumen and savvy to navigate complicated paths to achieve success. Pillars is one of those leaders. 

The train hall has received critical acclaim and many industry awards, and Pilarski’s contributions were a major factor in its success, Decker says.  

"More importantly, it is reflective of Kelly’s work every day," Decker adds. "Her professionalism, passion, knowledge and leadership skills are impressive." 

Pilarski is one of 25 Rising Stars Award winners for 2022, who were recognized by Progressive Railroading during a virtual ceremony held July 27. You can read more about Pilarski in her bio on Progressive Railroading’s Rising Stars webpage. 

Pilarski recently spoke with Progressive Railroading/RailPrime Senior Associate Editor Julie Sneider about the Moynihan project, as well as other topics of interest in the passenger-rail realm.