TRINITYRAIL, VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES, ENERGY
Georgia Rokas joined Trinity Industries/TrinityRail more than 25 years ago. When Georgia joined Trinity, the company looked much different than it does today. Trinity has been in business more than 85 years and has gone through many changes, restructuring, acquisitions, as well as an enormous spinoff. Georgia began her career as a CPA in corporate accounting and was fascinated with rail transportation. She was enthralled by the key role rail plays in the American economy and how it continues to transport our nation into the future.
After many years in finance, Georgia realized that her true calling was to work directly with customers. Her proven interpersonal and financial skills would form a strong foundation for such a change. Taking the initiative, she pitched management on transitioning to commercial sales. She utilized mentors, transferable skills, and perseverance to succeed to transition to this new role. Her relentless, positive and directed efforts eventually prevailed and she joined the sales force as one of very few women at the time. She now works directly with several Fortune 50 corporations in the energy space.
One of Georgia's favorite projects was TrinityRail's implementation of the HM-251 regulations for tank cars in flammable liquid service. In May 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued the first major modification of tank railcar regulations in years. It included multi-faceted rules that were to be adopted over a long transition period. The project had complexities such as regulatory administrative appeals, litigation that challenged the new regulations, and railroad tariff actions. Georgia led discussions with customers on becoming HM-251 compliant by either building new or modifying existing tank cars.
On the personal side, Georgia is a first-generation Greek American, who speaks the language fluently, and happily says she loves spending time with her "big, fat Greek family." As seen below, Georgia and her family love to travel. She is also a longtime Dallas Cowboys football fan. In addition, during the pandemic, she discovered a passion for gardening.
When LRW asked Georgia what motivates her she stated, "Helping people whether it be family, friends, customers, colleagues or strangers. The idea that I might provide a solution to someone's problem is meaningful. The purpose of life is to serve, and we each do so in the capacity of our individual platforms."
Georgia modestly noted that her greatest career accomplishment may be simply building a solid record of success in an industry, which historically has offered fewer opportunities to women. Yet, in her 25 years she has seen great strides as the number of women in rail continues to grow. Georgia is grateful for the continued support of Trinity’s leadership and for all the incredible opportunities she’s been afforded. What is Georgia’s advice for women in rail? “Hard work with a positive attitude goes a long way and positions you well for opportunities. Also, learn to embrace change, since you may actually gain from it.”
Thank you, Georgia, for sharing your thoughts and experiences with LRW. We encourage all LRW members to connect via LinkedIn and social media to continue to promote Women in Rail.
