2024 40 Under 40: Caroline R. Kieltyka

Caroline R. Kieltyka, strategic initiatives manager at the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (CTDOT) Office of Rail (OOR), assumes a range of duties pertaining to passenger and freight rail planning, design, construction and operations within both the state of Connecticut and the broader region. She spearheaded the development of grant applications for the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Fiscal Year 22-23 Federal-State Partnership Northeast Corridor Grant opportunity, ultimately resulting in the successful award of more than $1.1 billion in federal funding for eight rail projects.  

Kieltyka further leads coordination and implementation of additional federal grant programs such as the Corridor Identification and Development Program, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program and the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program.  

Colleagues say Kieltyka excels in fostering strong relationships among diverse internal and external stakeholders across various assignments with the OOR. As CTDOT’s liaison to the Northeast Corridor Commission (NECC), she coordinates various initiatives, including managing general inquiries, facilitating data submissions for annual reports and capital investment plans and contributes to service development planning. Additionally, Kieltyka actively participates in key groups such as the Cost Allocation Model, Implementation and Capital working groups.    

Beyond her role with the NECC, Kieltyka actively engages with various organizations to shape transportation polices on a broader scale, including coordination with the FRA, Amtrak, Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Metro-North Railroad, Transit America Services Inc., State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee and the States for Passenger Rail Coalition.  

She played a key role in orchestrating stakeholder discussions and coordinating efforts to conceptualize improvements for the Stamford Transportation Center and its surrounding area. The collaborative effort led to the collection of diverse ideas aimed at enhancing the state’s multi-modal transportation system at the facility. 

Kieltyka has worked in the transportation industry for 10 years, having recently rejoined CTDOT in September 2022 after a five-year tenure in Washington, D.C., with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). During her time at AASHTO, she managed technical and policy activities related to transportation planning, passenger and freight rail and various modes of freight transportation. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing AASHTO’s surface transportation reauthorization principles, particularly those pertaining to passenger and freight transportation policy initiatives.     Prior to her professional career, she graduated from St. Lawrence University and has since come as advocate for introducing students to the rail transportation industry. She actively participates in various staff initiatives, such as recruiting students interested in state service. She oversees the OOR Summer Worker program, managing everything from candidate selection to work assignments and program development.  

In addition, Kieltyka leads OOR’s collaboration with the University of New Haven Engineering Program. Through the partnership, engineering students tackle real-world challenges faced by CTDOT on the railroad, fostering innovative solutions. Furthermore, she takes charge of OOR’s training and staff development, which includes organizing internal and external courses. 

Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?   

My journey in the transportation industry began in the CTDOT Office of Environmental Planning. This experience really opened my eyes to the various roles and responsibilities within the CTDOT and the broader transportation industry. It ignited my passion for transportation, which inspired me to want to learn everything I could about the field. I like to say I caught the transportation bug!  

This enthusiasm led me to Washington, D.C., where I joined AASHTO. There, I worked on a wide range of transportation policy initiatives and discovered my passion for rail transportation. The combination of my start in the transportation industry at CTDOT and newfound passion for rail transportation at AASHTO ultimately brought me back to the CTDOT OOR. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?   

In my current role, I have the opportunity to work on projects from both the capital and operations sides. This allows me to gain a full understanding and actively participate in all aspects of our office. I genuinely enjoy the diversity and breadth of work I am exposed to.  

I also enjoy interacting with our passengers. During holidays and special events, I volunteer as a Rail Ambassador at our stations. In this role, I assist passengers with their travel needs—whether directing them to the correct platform or answering questions about schedules, ticketing and fares. It's an opportunity to engage directly with our passengers and be a helpful resource, which makes a meaningful impact on their travel experience and brings me a sense of fulfillment.  

Accomplishment you’re most proud of and why?   

Being part of the team that secured more than $1.1 billion in federal funding for eight projects under the Fiscal Year 22-23 Northeast Corridor Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program was incredible. This funding is a historic investment in our Rail Capital Program and will significantly help address our major backlog, capital renewal and improvement projects. The magnitude of securing a billion dollars is still wild to me!  

Best advice/tip/best practice to share from your area of expertise?   

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received was to have confidence in the perspective I bring to every situation. It's important to voice your opinions and ideas, as they can drive positive changes within your organization or the wider transportation industry. Additionally, seek mentorship and support by connecting with fellow transportation professionals. Networking with peers and finding mentors who offer guidance and advice can be incredibly valuable as you navigate your career. Lastly, while we often rely on emails, don't underestimate the power of picking up the phone and making a call—it can be remarkably effective!