Engineering Leadership in Action: Kate O’Connor on SEPTA’s Front Lines Artwork

Platform Chats

The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) is the leading professional association for railway engineers working together to further the development and advancement of both technical and practical knowledge in the railway industry. Come “roll with AREMA” as we chat with Members from every aspect of the Association. Each episode will contain entertaining and informative stories from our members about their time in the Association and how it has advanced their careers. Hosted By: Walt Bleser, PE, President, ARE Corporation. Information on the railway industry is provided as a service to our members but does not represent an endorsement. Subscribe to your favorite listening service to get episode notifications.

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Platform Chats

Engineering Leadership in Action: Kate O’Connor on SEPTA’s Front Lines

July 03, 2025 • AREMA • Season 5 • Episode 5

In this episode of Platform Chats, Walt Bleser sits down with Kate O’Connor—Chief Engineer at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and member of AREMA’s Board of Governors—for a conversation that covers everything from 100-year-old bridges to modern-day megaprojects, and a little career wisdom in between.

Kate shares her journey from walking cables in New York to overseeing nearly everything at SEPTA, including track, power, stations, buildings, and cleaning crews. She discusses managing a $5 billion backlog, navigating tight budgets, and completing major bridge replacements without disrupting the system.

They also dig into mentorship, cross-department collaboration, and why showing up for your team and your industry still matters. A sharp, candid look at leading in public infrastructure, with a few laughs along the way.

People on this episode

Walt Bleser, PE

Host