Job description: Maria brings 25 years of progressive leadership experience in sales and marketing. As managing director of sales and marketing-merchandise at CPKC, she leads a team of sales professionals across the United States and Canada, overseeing $1.8 billion in annual revenue from key commodities, including steel, aggregates, pulp, paper and lumber.

Why she's influential as a leader: Her influence stems from a results-driven approach, combining deep railroad operations expertise with a keen understanding of customer economics. In 2018, she earned CP's prestigious CEO award for developing an innovative solution for an automotive customer — an achievement that generated tens of millions in additional revenue while advancing the customer's growth goals. In 2023, she was chosen to lead the newly merged U.S.-Canada merchandise sales team, playing a pivotal role in aligning CPKC's operations and customer relationships. Her strategic leadership enabled her team to achieve record revenue in 2023 and 2024, despite challenging economic conditions.

Maria also is a dedicated mentor and advocate for professional development. She fosters a supportive, high-performing environment, inspiring her team to excel. Respected by colleagues, senior leadership and customers alike, she is a passionate advocate for women in the rail industry and an active member of the CPKC Women's Leadership Network.