Paula Henry is superintendent of Tacoma Rail, one of the largest rail-switching operations in the nation. The publicly owned railroad operates in three counties and includes Boeing and the Port of Tacoma among its customers. Henry has a B.A. in regional urban planning from Western Washington University. She sits on the boards of the American Shortline Railroad Association, the Tacoma YWCA and the World Trade Center.

What is your favorite place in Washington?

Tacoma. I've enjoyed seeing the changes in recent years. People are now proud to say they're from Tacoma.

What is your idea of happiness?

Sitting on a beach out of cell phone range.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Becoming a certified locomotive engineer. It gave me a greater appreciation for railroad work.

What do you most regret?

Not taking as much vacation as I should.

What do you most fear?

Spiders. I hate spiders.

Who in history do you most admire?

Explorers, inventors - people willing to try something new.

What Washington CEO do you most admire?

My boss, Mark Crisson, director of Tacoma Public Utilities. He's one of the smartest people I've ever met. He keeps me on my toes. And, he took a chance on me.

What personal trait would you rather not have?

Overscheduling myself. I need to learn to say "no."

What trait bothers you most in others?

People who lose perspective, who make mountains out of molehills.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue in an executive?

Focusing only on work. There's more to life than work.

When do you find it necessary to lie?

When I have two dates on the same night.

What person - living today - do you most despise?

People who think their viewpoint is the only correct viewpoint.

What is the greatest love of your life?

My privacy.

 
When and where were you most happy?

College. I was on my own for the first time, and all doors were open to me.

What talent would you most like to possess?

Being able to cook and create in the kitchen at a really high level. I'm a good cook, but I would like to be a chef.

What do you see as the greatest obstacle to Washington's future economic growth?

We need more workers in skilled trades, such as mechanics, electricians, carpenters, pipe fitters, machinists, welders and plumbers.

What is your most significant achievement?

Professionally, becoming head of a railroad in an industry with few women executives.

If after death you could come back as another person or thing, what would it be?

My dog Molly; she's spoiled rotten.

What is your most valued possession?

My 1997 Tahoe. It's a beater, and I allow myself to be disorganized in it.

What attributes do you like in a man?

Compassion and sensitivity to others.

What attributes do you like in a woman?

Treating people with respect, kindness and compassion.

Who is your favorite author?

When I have time for personal reading, I usually choose political satire.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

The Invisible Man. He did a lot of good things without being seen.

What turns you off the most?

Arrogance, self-righteousness.

What is your motto?

Sometimes you have to take a step back for balance in order to leap forward.

What one thing in Washington would you change?

The education system. I would like to see more opportunities for students to pursue skilled trades. College isn't for everyone, and we all need people with skills.