Progressive Railroading Recognizes Trish Haver among Women of Influence in Rail

Trish Haver has profoundly transformed the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) over the past two years, leading a remarkable evolution of this 176-year-old company. Through her innovative leadership and unwavering commitment to safety-first principles, Trish has rebranded and repositioned NCRR as a dynamic, modern organization that sets new standards for rail safety, development, and economic growth.

A defining achievement of Trish’s leadership is her transformative work on the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant. Under her guidance, NCRR secured an unprecedented $105 million to fund critical infrastructure enhancements, including new sidings, upgraded rail, grade separations, and bridge improvements along the Raleigh-Greensboro corridor. These efforts reflect her strategic vision to address regional rail challenges while building strong partnerships with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and Norfolk Southern. By focusing on collaboration and leveraging resources, Trish ensured these projects would have a lasting impact on the state’s rail network.

Trish’s most groundbreaking contribution is the creation of NCRR’s Track Protection Program—an industry-leading initiative that ensures efficient, safety-focused track protection services. Recognizing the need for reliable, high-quality track safety solutions, she developed a program that combines rigorous safety protocols with operational efficiency. This initiative has rapidly expanded under her leadership, generating new business opportunities and reinforcing NCRR’s reputation as a leader in rail safety innovation.

Beyond infrastructure and safety, Trish has driven NCRR’s efforts to address unmet needs in rail development through the expansion of its economic development programs. This year alone, she spearheaded the launch of five new initiatives designed to strengthen North Carolina’s rail infrastructure and foster economic growth. These programs include the Microgrants Program, which supports real estate readiness in communities preparing properties for rail-served development. Through these initiatives, Trish has funneled millions of dollars back into local communities, supporting vital rail development projects that drive economic opportunities across the state.

Her leadership has also been instrumental in helping rebuild critical rail infrastructure in Western North Carolina following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. By mobilizing resources and prioritizing infrastructure recovery, Trish ensured the region’s rail network could quickly resume operations. This work not only supported local businesses in their recovery efforts but also restored essential transportation links critical to the regional economy.

Trish’s ability to identify gaps in rail development and deliver practical, scalable solutions demonstrates her forward-thinking leadership. By transforming NCRR from a passive landlord into an active partner in regional development, she has modernized the organization while aligning it with the evolving needs of the rail industry. This transformation is further underscored by her bold rebranding initiative, which redefined NCRR’s identity as a forward-thinking organization.

In her role, Trish oversees Economic and Business Development, Government Relations, Commercial, Real Estate, Engineering, Construction, and Safety departments, showcasing her ability to lead complex, interdisciplinary operations. By blending historical legacy with a modern vision, she has revitalized NCRR’s image and strengthened its role as a catalyst for growth in the rail industry.

As the first female to lead engineering at NCRR, Trish has broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment ensures diverse voices are heard and innovation thrives.

Through her commitment to safety, innovative ideas, and strategic leadership, Trish Haver has redefined what it means to lead in the rail industry. Her transformative impact on NCRR and her ability to set a new benchmark for safety and development make her an exceptional nominee for the Women in Rail Innovation Award.

Read about all the awardees: 2025 Women of Influence in Rail