Job description: Since 2019, Jennifer has served as director of mechanical operations at the Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Norfolk Southern Railway's only back shop and a cornerstone of its locomotive maintenance operations.

Why she's influential as a leader: At Juniata, Jennifer oversees more than 400 skilled railroaders working across seven crafts. She guides her team to achieve their goals safely, efficiently and reliably. Thanks to her leadership, the shop has improved how it plans production, deals with outdated materials and controls costs.

Her impact on NS' locomotive operations has been transformative. She's built a workplace where communication, teamwork and transparency aren't buzzwords; they're how things get done. She makes sure supervisors and team leaders have the skills and confidence to do their jobs well. The results of her leadership speak for themselves: In 2024 alone, her team overhauled 86 engines, extended the life of 13 yard and local locomotives, and converted 20 DC locomotives to AC, all of which helped modernize the entire fleet.

Jennifer not only cares about locomotives, she also cares about her people. She has strengthened the bond between employees and management through initiatives like the Local Safety and Service Committee. As a result, the Juniata shop has become a place where teamwork and innovation thrive.