Cecilia Schmierer Earns Railway Age 'Fast Tracker' Honor

January 23, 2024 - Cecilia Schmierer joined CSX in 2015 with very little knowledge of the rail industry but a very big desire to learn and contribute.

Eight years later, not only has her passion made her a key player on the company’s Risk Management team, it has earned her industrywide recognition on the 2024 Railway Age “Fast Tracker” list of up-and-coming railroaders under age 40. Cecilia joined 24 other industry professionals chosen by the magazine as the “best of the best” among young leaders who are demonstrating their “breadth of knowledge, experience and achievement.”

Cecilia came to CSX as a manager of field investigations and quickly established herself as someone who is constantly striving to add value to her team, the company and the rail industry. She earned a promotion to district manager, demonstrating a consistent ability to work collaboratively, both internally and externally, to understand complex situations and resolve claims quickly.

One of the keys to Cecilia’s success has been her commitment to learning everything she can about all aspects of rail operations through training and networking with other departments. She takes advantage of opportunities to participate in operations training and puts her knowledge to good use in her work as well as sharing what she learns with her colleagues.

Cecilia has also gained recognition as rising industry leader through her work the Association of American Railroads’ General Claims Conference Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Subcommittee and the RRB 10(o) outreach team.

In addition to her enthusiasm for her work, Cecilia is passionate about contributing to the Mobile, Ala., community where she is based. She participates in Operation Lifesaver events in the area; supports Ainsley’s Angels, a non-profit that builds awareness about the importance of inclusion; and is an active member of the Port City Pacers, a chapter of the Roadrunners Club of America.