Our Work in Practice
Claire has been named one of Progressive Railroading’s 2026 Women of Influence in Rail. As a Senior Project Manager for Modern Railway Systems (MRS), her commitment to advancing the rail industry, while supporting and elevating women within it, does not go unnoticed.
A Woman of Influence demonstrates a clear, forward-thinking direction for her team or organization, aligns efforts toward long-term goals, fosters a positive and motivating environment where team members are encouraged to grow and excel, and consistently exercises sound judgment through timely and effective decision-making, particularly in complex or high-pressure situations.
Claire Burkhardt has played a significant role in advancing MRS’s corporate goal of attracting smarter, younger, and more diverse talent. As an industry, rail continues to face the challenge of an aging workforce and the loss of invaluable institutional knowledge developed through years of hands-on experience. At the same time, the industry has historically lacked diversity of perspective. Claire represents the kind of leadership needed to help the industry evolve, bringing fresh insight, inclusivity, and long-term vision to a traditionally homogeneous environment.
Through her leadership, Claire has created a platform that guides teams and reinforces her role as a trusted and respected leader. One notable example is her ability to successfully lead and collaborate with a seasoned design team, earning their respect through consistency, expertise, and thoughtful project governance. She has fostered an environment of mutual respect and accountability, where her guidance is valued and sought out. Claire has achieved similar success with field construction teams, adapting her leadership approach to meet the needs of the environment while maintaining professionalism, clarity, and approachability. These accomplishments reflect an exceptional level of leadership within MRS.
Beyond internal teams, Claire has applied her leadership skills across the table with transit agencies and railroad clients. She promotes collaboration, open dialogue, and solution-oriented decision-making, creating space for meaningful engagement and shared problem solving. Her efforts have strengthened relationships with key clients, including a major commuter railroad, resulting in positive project outcomes, expanded partnerships, and measurable growth for MRS.
Claire Burkhardt exemplifies what it means to be a Woman of Influence in Rail, and MRS is proud to recognize her leadership, impact, and contributions to our team, our clients, and the industry as a whole.