Desaray Wilson
Houston
Summary
Experienced professional with over 13 years of experience in the railroad industry and surrounding areas which include operations supervisor, class 1 locomotive engineer/certified engineer, and director of safety and compliance. During this time, I’ve demonstrated the ability to coordinate work assignments to ensure that all railroad staff members work in sync with complete focus on general safety practices.
Professional Agile facilitator committed to driving team success and delivering high-value projects. Proven track record in guiding teams through Agile transformations and optimizing workflows to enhance productivity. Known for strong focus on collaboration and adaptability to evolving project needs, ensuring consistent achievement of goals.
Professional with comprehensive experience in agile methodologies and team facilitation. Skilled in guiding teams through agile practices, fostering collaboration, and driving successful project outcomes. Adept at adapting to changing requirements, resolving conflicts, and ensuring continuous improvement. Recognized for strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Scrum Master
Kansas City Southern Railroad
02.2018 - Current
- Proficient in full-scope train operations and comprehensive knowledge of railroad operating rules, procedures, policies, and FRA regulations
- Safety conscious, with qualifications in conducting inspections and ensuring workforce compliance; exceptional safety track record backed by annual safety training
- Motivating, hands-on leader with solid background in training, developing, coordinating, and supervising teams; equally effective in management, independent and collaborative roles
- Excel in prioritizing, planning, organizing, and steering operations/projects to maximize use of time and resources, improve productivity and efficiency, boost service levels, and achieve aggressive deadlines and performance goals
- Dynamic communication, consultation, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- Extensive background working in federal secured environments
- Sharp mechanical aptitude, including troubleshooting and replacing parts/components
- Facilitated Scrum ceremonies, ensuring team alignment and effective communication of project goals.
- Coached cross-functional teams on Agile methodologies to enhance collaboration and productivity.
- Identified and mitigated impediments hindering team progress, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Developed and maintained sprint backlogs, prioritizing tasks to align with business objectives.
Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers (DSLE)/Manager of Railroad Switching Safety & Compliance
Genesee & Wyoming
01.2017 - 02.2018
- Conducted compliance inspections to ensure that trains maintain safe operations.
- Performed investigations to resolve issues by obtaining data from carriers, conducting interviews and reviewing records.
- Led accident investigations to determine root causes and undertake measures to ensure that safety mistakes are not repeated.
- Inspected railroads and carriers to ensure that they are working in accordance to federal regulations.
- Supervised field inspections of existing and proposed railroad crossings and structures to ensure consistency in safety practices.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of railroad grade crossing safety programs.
- Created schedules and ensured that safety staff members abide by them so that all shifts are properly covered.
- Acted as a field liaison between railroad companies and governmental agencies, to ensure appropriate coordination of safety work.
Locomotive Engineer/Certified Conductor
Union Pacific Railroad
06.2012 - 12.2016
- Responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable movement of freight via rail.
- Operation of diesel-electric locomotive(S) with up to 100 + freight cars totaling in excess of 12,000 trailing tons.
- Interpreted train orders, signals, railroad rules and regulations.
- Communicated with Conductor as to stops, delays, and on-coming trains.
- Received train orders from dispatcher, which included listing of cargo, routes and scheduled stops.
- Informed train crew of orders, communicate with engineer.
- Inspected train cars to make sure they are safe and operational.
- Made sure proper cars are loaded and ready to roll.
- Relayed information about any safety issues or repairs needed.
- Arranged for removal of defective cars, Make sure freight is distributed evenly along the length of the train.
- Completed all necessary paperwork, including arrival and departure times of scheduled stops, and report on any problems incurred during the trip.
Senior Recruiter
United States Army
04.2003 - 06.2012
- Recruiting, Retention and Attrition Management Successfully recruited 150% of assigned mission in FY09 Increased area market share by 3% Trained new recruiters Screened and evaluated candidates on a multi-faceted job requirements including aptitude tests, background checks, and preliminary medical screening Contributed to Region success Top Recruiting Region FY09 Retention Program Conducted interviews telephonically and face to face retain qualified individuals Implemented retention program advising high level managers influencing a positive trending retention rate FY
- 09 and FY10 Conducted leader training on retention techniques Attrition Management Implemented Attrition Management program and techniques to reduce risk of soldiers not fulfilling contract terms Coordinated with mid-level management and upper level management with up to date attrition risks.
- Prospecting/Lead generation Established "grass roots" networking techniques within targeted community Conducted at least 15 face to face interviews a week Applied recruiting methodologies such as telemarketing and Personal Direct Contact (PDC).
- Created community events to attract targeted candidates Attended job fairs, college fairs, and other public events to prospect for candidates Maintained public relations with city officials, civic leaders, and high school campuses Office Administration Maintained training records on recruiters with a high degree of confidentiality using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and Microsoft Word to prepare documents.
- Prepared PowerPoint Presentations for Recruiter Evaluation Board meetings.
- Prepared, managed, and outlined day-to-day business and recruitment operations of the recruiting
Education
Master’s Degree - Business Administration
Texas A&M University
Killeen, Texas12.2009
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration
Texas A&M University
Killeen, Texas05.2006
Skills
- Routine Inspections
- Complaints Investigation
- Safety Advice
- Signals and Train Control
- Rail Car Tagging
- Accident Investigation
- Staff Scheduling
- Hazardous Conditions Correction
- Safety Promotion
- Safety Equipment Procurement
- Dispatcher Coordination
- Railroad Safety Standards
- Agile metrics tracking
- Agile coaching
- Project management
- Sprint planning
- Meeting facilitation
Timeline
Scrum Master
Kansas City Southern Railroad
02.2018 - Current
Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers (DSLE)/Manager of Railroad Switching Safety & Compliance
Genesee & Wyoming
01.2017 - 02.2018
Locomotive Engineer/Certified Conductor
Union Pacific Railroad
06.2012 - 12.2016
Senior Recruiter
United States Army
04.2003 - 06.2012
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration
Texas A&M University
Master’s Degree - Business Administration
Texas A&M University