Job description: Kris has been the museum's executive director since 2018. She is leading the museum's preparation for the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027, including a $35 million dollar campus transformation plan that calls for restoring the South Car Works building, and the planning for a national celebration and a signature event in Maryland.

Why she's influential as a leader: Under Kris's leadership, the museum has embraced the philosophy: "While not a community center, we strive to be the center of our community." Reflecting this vision, she launched the "Restore Baltimore" program in partnership with the Community College of Baltimore County, transforming the museum's campus into a hub for workforce development. This initiative has provided career opportunities for underemployed residents, with several graduates securing jobs with Class I railroads and short lines.

Kris has also led efforts to make the museum more accessible for neurodivergent visitors. She introduced programs such as Sensory Inclusive Summer Camp and sensory-friendly days, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. Moreover, Kris has strengthened the museum's role in preserving and sharing America's history through the lens of the railroad. In 2021, she secured its designation as a "National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom" site, a significant civic achievement.