July 9, 2024 – Progressive Railroading, one of the rail industry’s premier publications for news and information, has announced its 2024 Rising Stars, and CSX is proud to have three honorees on the list. These individuals were selected based on their significant contributions to railroading, career achievements, education, demonstrated leadership, and involvement in professional associations or community activities. They are recognized for their positive impact and are seen as promising leaders in the rail industry.
Congratulations to the following team members on receiving this significant honor.
- Cara Costa, CSX director of Sales for Private Assets and National Accounts, is recognized by her colleagues as a results-oriented and analytical leader. Throughout her tenure, she has been a consistent advocate for the Domestic business, making a significant impact on Rail Assets, National Accounts, and Private Assets.
A testament to her innovation, creativity, and leadership, Cara had a pivotal role in establishing CSX’s National Accounts team. This team provides Beneficial Cargo Owners a direct connection to the railroad, assisting them in navigating over-the-road conversions and challenging economic markets.
Cara’s colleagues deeply respect her ability to tackle challenges, lead through ambiguity, and maintain team composure during difficult times. As a hands-on leader, she holds her team to high standards while encouraging them to find innovative ways to support customers. Her dedication to developing and providing feedback is integral to the success of the sales team.
Cara also works closely with the women on her team, helping them navigate an industry composed primarily of men. She is committed to lifting others up and speaking out against inequality, demonstrating her dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment.
- Ian Hollingsworth, senior counsel, is a great leader within CSX, the railroad industry, and his broader community. Known for his problem-solving approach and commitment to collaboration, Ian builds relationships and knowledge-sharing forums that benefit the entire industry. He offers forward-looking legal guidance on new technologies, including advancements in rail software applications, dispatching systems, and artificial intelligence solutions.
Ian has played a critical role in fostering collaboration between freight and passenger railroads on safety and training—two paramount topics in our industry. He facilitated the industry-wide sharing of operational training materials, enhancing both safety and performance. Additionally, Ian helped establish a framework for freight and passenger railroads to share images produced by Train Inspection Portals, improving defect detection, repair efficiency, and risk mitigation.
Beyond his contributions to CSX and the railroad industry, Ian extends his impact through community involvement. He is a graduate of the 2021 SOAR Men’s Cohort and actively participates in various charitable initiatives, leveraging CSX's development opportunities to make a difference.
- David Kosla, CSX director of Field Facilities, is an inspiring leader who has personally traveled to meet and build relationships with each of his more than 200 employees. He oversees a team of 14 managers and 200 craftsmen responsible for maintaining CSX’s fixed assets, including buildings, utilities, and mechanical systems across the company's extensive network. Under David’s leadership, the team places a strong emphasis on enhancing operational testing to reinforce CSX’s safety focus.
In his previous role at CSX, David managed over 400 capital projects with an annual budget ranging from $10-20 million, while also achieving more than $11 million in annual operational cost reductions. He worked with various business partners to develop and establish the foundations for facility asset monitoring throughout the network. Additionally, he has led significant initiatives related to export terminal development and mechanical infrastructure enhancements. In 2022, he was recognized for his environmental and energy-saving efforts related to compressed air systems and was nominated for the Chafee Environmental Excellence Award, an annual recognition of environmental stewardship and sustainability within the railroad industry.
Beyond his professional achievements, David is a valuable contributor to CSX's communities. He has mentored students from a work-study program at VyStar and supported the Jacksonville ACE program, which helps students explore careers in architecture, construction, and engineering, thereby fostering the development of future railroad professionals.
Progressive Railroading readers submitted nominations in a process that lasted several months for nearly 200 individuals who work for Class Is, regionals, short lines, passenger railroads, transit agencies, government entities, associations, engineering firms, contractors or suppliers. The publication will celebrate the 2024 Rising Stars in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, July 24. To learn more about the 2024 Rising Stars, click here.
