Kenney joined CSX in 2011 as Director of Domestic Sales and has since held roles of increasing responsibility, including Assistant Vice President of Intermodal Sales and Head of Automotive. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation across multiple business segments.
Before joining CSX, Kenney spent four years at PepsiCo, where she held
various sales leadership and strategy roles. She also served in the U.S. Army for seven years, achieving the rank of captain. Her military service included company and battalion leadership roles with the 3rd Infantry and 101st Airborne Divisions, as well as supporting counter-drug operations in the Bahamas and combat operations in Iraq.
Kenney's commitment to the military and employee engagement is evident in her role as the executive sponsor of CSX's Military Business Resource Group. In this capacity, she champions initiatives supporting veterans, military-affiliated employees, and communities across the CSX network.
In 2024, Kenney was recognized on the International Rail Journal's list of top Women in Rail, celebrating her leadership and contributions to the rail industry. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a bachelor's degree in government and international relations from the University of Notre Dame. Additionally, she completed the Executive Development Program at Harvard in 2016.
9:00 AM Opening Session
The Inside Track: Career Lessons from Across Rail's Ecosystem
What does success look like at different levels of the rail industry—and how does it really feel to build a career in each space? This candid panel features the voices of the industry, from Class I to Short Line to Contractor to Supplier to unpack the unwritten rules, unique pressures, and unexpected rewards of their roles—and how each perspective fits into the bigger rail ecosystem.
Not another top-down panel, this discussion addresses communication across sectors, what rising professionals need to know about their partners in the field, and what it really takes to thrive—no matter where you sit in the supply chain.
Panelist: Maryclare Kenney
VP Sales & Marketing, CSX
Maryclare Kenney is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CSX, where she oversees Total Distribution Services, Inc. (TDSI), Automotive Sales and Marketing, Merchandise Sales and Marketing, as well as TRANSFLO. Previously, Kenney served as Vice President for Intermodal and Automotive, leading CSX's sales and marketing functions for intermodal customers and those producing and transporting autos and auto parts both domestically and internationally.
Panelist: Linda Laurello
CEO, Delta Railroad Services
Linda Laurello assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Delta Railroad Services in the summer of 2024. Prior to becoming CEO, Linda served in various C-level and leadership roles within the organization for over 20 years, including Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and in Contracts and Project Management roles.
Linda is a staunch advocate for the advancement, innovation, and wellbeing of the railroad industry-at large. She is an industry coveted speaker, convener and host, and task force for the industry.
Linda's vision for the next generation
of Delta Railroad Services will focus on innovation, expansion and visibility, and continuing the legacy of excellence in client services, a tradition that started with her great grandfather, Cosmo Anthony Laurello, the founder of the company. What started in 1957 as a small railroad construction business has expanded to be one of the top tier railroad construction companies in North America.
In 2014, Linda was recognized by the National Association of Professional Women as the VIP Professional Woman of the Year for leadership in business.
She is an active member of the League of Railway Women, the National Railroad Construction and the Maintenance Association.
Linda holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from John Carroll University and her MBA with a Concentration in Finance from Northeastern University.
As a civic leader, Linda serves in several leadership, advisory, and Board level positions advocating for community-centric organizations, FSH Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), and more. In 2025, she was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Ashtabula Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Foundation.
When Linda is not working, she is spending time gaining new experiences with her immediate and extended family, her three children, and two dogs.
Panelist: Falyn Coleman-Wright
VP, Business Development, API
Falyn Coleman-Wright joined Accommodations Plus International (API) in 2024 as Vice President, Business Development for Rail, bringing nearly 15 years of experience in the railway industry. Her background includes roles in business development, finance, network operations, and project management with organizations such as Norfolk Southern Railway, Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad, Siemens Mobility, and Leica Geosystems, where she contributed to strategic growth initiatives for the Rail division.
At API, Falyn leads growth efforts in the rail industry, partnering with railroads to modernize how they handle crew travel and lodging through automation and smart technology solutions. She works with railroad teams to implement systems that make what's often a complex logistical challenge much simpler and more reliable, ensuring crews have safe, efficient, and uneventful travel experiences.
Falyn earned a Bachelor's degree in Finance from Auburn University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). She was named a Progressive Railroading Rising Star in 2024, recognizing her contributions to advancing the rail industry. She is actively involved in industry organizations, including the California High-Speed Rail Authority Business Advisory Council, Women's Transportation Seminar, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, and the Project Management Institute.
Based in Sacramento, California, Falyn stays current with business and psychology podcasts, enjoys tennis and golf, and loves spending time with her husband and their doodle, Magic.
Panelist: Jonathan Beck
Director, Business Solutions, TransmetriQ — A Railinc Brand
Jon Beck is an accomplished business development leader with extensive experience driving growth and innovation across the logistics, technology, and rail sectors. In his current role, Beck leads a team of rail operations and technology experts dedicated to solving complex visibility and operational challenges through customer-focused, data-driven solutions. By working closely with rail stakeholders, his team enhances transparency, streamlines processes, and unlocks new efficiencies.
With more than 15 years of experience, Beck has successfully built and scaled multimillion-dollar revenue streams, negotiated high-value contracts, and led enterprise sales initiatives for organizations including Warp Technology Corp, Convoy Inc, and Strive Logistics. His leadership has contributed to more than $70 million in revenue growth, while also pioneering programs that strengthened employee retention and performance.
Widely recognized for his strategic vision and collaborative approach, Beck excels at translating customer needs into actionable, results-oriented solutions. His broad experience spanning retail, manufacturing, and enterprise technology equips him with a unique perspective on the evolving challenges rail shippers face.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.
Moderator: Pat Foran
Editor-In-Chief, Progressive Railroading Magazine
Serving as moderator of the Fireside Chat, Pat Foran is editor-in-chief of Progressive Railroading Magazine and all its affiliated information delivery vehicles, including RailPrime, a digital subscription offering dedicated to all things freight transportation and home to the lion's share of Progressive Railroading's originally reported coverage. He has been Progressive Railroading's editor since 1998. Progressive Railroading also produces live events, including RailTrends, held annually in New York City.
10:00 AM Skill Building Session
Understanding Your Leadership Strengths
Every professional brings a unique leadership style to the workplace — not just formal leaders. How you communicate, make decisions, and collaborate with others all shape the way your teams function and succeed. In this session, you will leverage the CliftonStrengths Talent assessment* to better understand your personal leadership power and explore how different styles show up across teams. We will focus on recognizing your strengths, adapting to the styles of others, and building strong working relationships. Every attendee will receive their personal Top 5 Strengths report as part of the experience.
Developing this kind of self-awareness is an important step for emerging leaders — helping you navigate team dynamics, contribute more effectively, and prepare for greater leadership responsibilities in the future.
*Propel registration includes access to the CliftonStrengths leadership assessment, which will be sent to all registered attendees via email approximately one month before the conference. Attendees will complete the assessment in advance to generate a personalized Top 5 Strengths Report, which will be explored during the session.
Objectives
Gain a clearer understanding of your personal leadership style.
Learn how different leadership styles influence teamwork, communication, and decision-making.
Identify ways to leverage your style and adapt to others to build stronger workplace relationships.
Facilitator: Matt Meuleners
Executive Partner and Leadership Trainer, FOCUS Training
With over 24 years of experience as a speaker, trainer, and Talent Development professional, Matt Meuleners is an expert in leadership development who specializes in: program design and delivery, L&D consulting, training audits, and leader coaching.
Matt holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin: Milwaukee and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin: Madison. He taught Training & Development at Marquette University as an adjunct professor and is a Past President of the SEWI chapter of the Association of Talent Development.
An Executive Partner with FOCUS Training, Matt leads the professional development market team and serves as Lead Instructor for the Accelerate and Elevate Institutes where he trains and coaches managers and high-potential talent from the nations top companies.
11:45 AM Fireside Chat
Moments That Matter: A Conversation on Connection and Career Impact
Sometimes the most meaningful moments in our careers happen in unexpected ways—through a conversation, a shared experience, or a simple gesture of connection. In this candid fireside chat, Watco leaders Laura McNichol and Zachary Boehme reflect on powerful moments that shaped their professional journeys and outlook on leadership. Together, they share stories of mentorship, personal growth, and the importance of showing up for others. Their insights will spark reflection on the ways we can all leave a lasting impact—no matter where we are in our careers.
Panelist: Laura McNichol
Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Watco
Laura McNichol is Watco's Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, where she has led efforts to secure a federal maintenance tax credit for short line railroads, as well as several state and federal grants allowing for tens of millions of upgrades to her company's railroads.
Today, her focus includes seeking ways to reduce carbon and save fuel across Watco's operations in her sustainability role. Prior to joining Watco, Laura worked for R. J. Corman Railroad Group based in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Before Corman, Laura worked for both GoRail and the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks. Laura began working in Washington, DC in 1998 on public policy where she covered issues such as agricultural, natural resources and conservation. Originally from New Jersey, Laura is a graduate of Rutgers University. She and her husband live on a small farm in the Virginia countryside with three cats, a happy golden retriever, two horses and 11 cows.
Panelist: Zachary Boehme
Senior Vice President, Sales-Railroad at Watco Companies LLC
Zachary Boehme has extensive work experience in various roles within the transportation and sales industries. Zachary began their career in 2013 at Genesee & Wyoming Inc., where they served as a Freight Conductor and Locomotive Engineer before progressing to roles such as Trainmaster, Project Manager, Manager of Sales and Marketing, and Assistant Vice President of Industrial Development. During their time at Genesee & Wyoming, they successfully secured industrial development projects, negotiated multi-million dollar contracts, and coordinated resources for customer rail infrastructure projects.
In 2022, they joined Watco Companies LLC as the Vice President and later Senior Vice President of Sales in the railroad division. Their responsibilities include overseeing sales operations and building relationships with internal stakeholders. Prior to their career in transportation, Zachary Boehme worked as a District Sales Manager at Munson Hybrids Inc and as the Business Manager and Company Vice President at Rheinschmidt's Carpet/Galesburg Commercial Flooring.
Zachary Boehme has a Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA degree from the University of Illinois Springfield, which they obtained from 2016 to 2019. Prior to that, they attended Knox College from 2010 to 2011, where they studied Business/Managerial Economics. From 2008 to 2010, they attended Monmouth College, focusing on Business Administration and Management, General.
Moderator: Pat Foran
Editor-In-Chief, Progressive Railroading Magazine
Serving as moderator of the Fireside Chat, Pat Foran is editor-in-chief of Progressive Railroading Magazine and all its affiliated information delivery vehicles, including RailPrime, a digital subscription offering dedicated to all things freight transportation and home to the lion's share of Progressive Railroading's originally reported coverage. He has been Progressive Railroading's editor since 1998. Progressive Railroading also produces live events, including RailTrends, held annually in New York City.
1:15 PM Skill Building Session
Managing Up
Most leaders have good intentions towards the staff they support. They want to clear the path for successful work, unlock resources to support the team and help solve problems. However, there are a number of factors that can make it hard for a manager to effectively do these things. They may not have a strong relationship with staff, may lack visibility and understanding of the team's situation, or may lack well-developed leadership skills. When a leader is struggling to provide you and your team with the support you need, practices of managing up
may be beneficial. Managing up describes the efforts of an employee to help their manager to be more effective.
This may involve bringing critical information to their attention, helping with prioritization of responsibilities, taking on tasks to help balance their workload, investing in building trust in their professional relationships, and more. In this module, we will explore the benefits, challenges, and best practices of managing up to help your leader, your team, and your career.
Objectives
Learn how to identify and overcome the challenges that hinder a manager's ability to provide effective support.
Acquire practical strategies and tools for managing up successfully.
Explore how effective management techniques can lead to improved team performance, streamlined work processes, and career advancement opportunities.
Facilitator: Matt Meuleners
Executive Partner and Leadership Trainer, FOCUS Training
With over 24 years of experience as a speaker, trainer, and Talent Development professional, Matt Meuleners is an expert in leadership development who specializes in: program design and delivery, L&D consulting, training audits, and leader coaching.
Matt holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin: Milwaukee and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin: Madison. He taught Training & Development at Marquette University as an adjunct professor and is a Past President of the SEWI chapter of the Association of Talent Development.
An Executive Partner with FOCUS Training, Matt leads the professional development market team and serves as Lead Instructor for the Accelerate and Elevate Institutes where he trains and coaches managers and high-potential talent from the nations top companies.
3:15 PM Closing Session
Elevate Your Brand: Strategic Presence for Career Growth
Your professional brand isn't just about getting noticed—it's about positioning yourself for growth, influence, and leadership within your organization. In this practical, energizing session, Michele Malski of SPRING draws on her experience in talent strategy and recruiting to share what truly elevates professionals in today's workplace.
Through real-world examples and actionable takeaways, Michele will walk attendees through key elements of professional presence—from crafting a confident elevator pitch to refining communication, resume, and digital presence to align with internal career goals.
Participants will leave with a checklist they can use to sharpen their brand, contribute more effectively to their teams, and prepare for the next opportunity within their current organization.
Whether you're aiming to lead a project, step into a new role, or build credibility across departments, this session will help you level up your brand and show up strategically where it counts.
Panelist: Michele Malski
President/Founder, SPRING
Michele Malski, a second-generation railroader, graduated from Cornell University with a major in Industrial Labor Relations, minor in Law and Society, and obtained her MBA with Quantic School of Business and Technology in Washington, DC. Michele also retains a certification in Inclusion and Diversity from the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM).
