Baltimore Business Journal Honors B&O Railroad Museum Executive Director Kris Hoellen
Hoellen honored on final list of Baltimore Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business 2025 list
BALTIMORE, MD – The Baltimore Business Journal’s 2025 Women Who Mean Business awards celebrate 25 women making a big impact in the Greater Baltimore business community. One of the honorees this year is Kris Hoellen, executive director of the B&O Railroad Museum. Hoellen’s leadership has been key in transforming the museum into not just a place to learn about history, but also a community hub that brings people together and helps boost Baltimore’s economy.
Under Hoellen’s direction, the B&O Railroad Museum has expanded its programs and reached out to more people in the community. She has worked to make the museum a welcoming space for all, offering educational experiences that connect people to the past while supporting local businesses and tourism. Her efforts show how cultural institutions can play an important role in a city’s growth and development.
Being named one of the Women Who Mean Business honorees highlights Hoellen’s unique approach to leadership. She has shown how museums can go beyond just preserving history—they can also create opportunities for learning, connection, and growth in the community. Her work is a great example of how dedication to a cause can lead to lasting change.
Kris Hoellen will be recognized, along with the other honorees, at an awards ceremony on August 7 at the Sagamore Pendry Hotel. A special feature on the honorees will be published in the Baltimore Business Journal on August 8. Through her work, Hoellen shows how one person can make a real difference in both preserving history and shaping the future.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
###
About the B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum, located in Baltimore, Md., is the birthplace of American railroading. The Museum is a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and was also designated a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site by the National Park Service. It is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its impact on American society, culture, and economy. The Museum is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere, including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment, the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse and the first mile of commercial railroad track in America. The Museum welcomes guests from all 50 states and 40 countries every year. For more information, please call 410- 752-2490 or visit www.BORail.org.
About the Women Who Mean Business Awards
The Women Who Mean Business awards, presented by the Baltimore Business Journal, honor outstanding women who are making significant contributions to the Greater Baltimore business community. These women are recognized for their leadership, innovation, and impact across various industries, including healthcare, technology, education, and nonprofits. The awards celebrate not only professional success but also the positive influence these leaders have on their organizations and the wider community. Each year, the awards highlight the achievements of women who are shaping the future of business in Baltimore and beyond, with a special ceremony to honor their accomplishments.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Jayakanthan
B & O Railroad Museum
520-233-3947
