Railway Track and Structures (RT&S) has named Katherine Barry, Senior Manager, Signal and Electrical Engineering, to their 10 Under 40 list. The recognition honors rail professionals for engineering excellence.

“Kate has a strong determination to make a positive impact and her commitment to achieving the right results is truly commendable,” said Ed Boyle, VP Engineering. “She holds both herself and her teammates to a high standard of excellence, which is critical for us to deliver safe, reliable, and resilient service to our customers.”

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Barry joined NS as a Management Trainee in 2011. She has held progressively more responsible positions, including Signal Engineer, Highway Crossing Signal Engineer, and Senior Signal Engineer. She leads NS’ signal design team in her current position.

"It's an honor to be recognized by a colleague for this distinction," says Barry. "Every day is an opportunity to support our customers by ensuring that we have the systems in place do deliver safe, reliable, and resilient service."

Barry has made significant contributions to advance a safer and more efficient railroad over her 13-year career with NS. She streamlined the design process by developing updated template plan sets for crossing and signal designs. She also managed the design for several crossing projects. Over a three-year period, Barry managed the Positive Train Control Signal Design for over 8,000 miles of track. She also led the Advanced Train Control team charged with performing breaking analysis to facilitate the transition of Tons Per Operable Break Timetable speeds.

Last year, Barry was recognized by RT&S as part of their Women in Railroad Engineering Awards.

Outside of work, Barry supports the railroad profession through her service on multiple committees of the American Railroad Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association. She also volunteers her time with Habitat for Humanity.