Katie Farmer is the first woman to head a Class I railroad as president and CEO of BNSF Railway.
Her work earned the TCU graduate recognition from the Longhorn Council of Scouting America, which recently named her its Distinguished Citizen for 2025.
For more than 30 years, the council has honored outstanding leaders and organizations that make an impact in the community.
Farmer said the two organizations — Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts, and BNSF — shared common traits.
“I’m humbled and honored for BNSF to be recognized by the Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America, because the values of scouting are the same values that are important to all of us at BNSF — serving others while leading with responsibility, character, and integrity,” she said in a statement.
“At BNSF, we don’t just move freight — we connect people, support local economies and help communities thrive,” she said. “This award is a reminder that when we invest in our communities. We are investing in the success of future generations.”
Farmer said she has seen firsthand how strong values and a commitment to service can have lasting impact.
Farmer earned her bachelor’s in business administration from Texas Christian University and an MBA from the Neeley School of Business. She was named the railroad’s president and CEO in 2021, after 28 years with BNSF.
Farmer began her career in the railroad industry with BNSF’s precursor, Burlington Northern, in 1992 as a management trainee. She has held a variety of positions since then, including serving as executive vice president and chief operations officer just prior to her current role.
Sanjay Chandra, managing partner at Trinity Investors and the 2025 chair of the event, said Farmer exemplifies the values of the scouting organization through her service, leadership and community commitment.
“Her dedication not only creates opportunities for others but also inspires future generations to embrace the values of character, integrity and responsibility,” he said in a statement.
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies.
Based in Fort Worth and owned by Berkshire Hathaway, BNSF operates approximately 32,500-route miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces.
Email Bob Francis, business editor for the Fort Worth Report, at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org.
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