WAHPETON, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Red River Valley & Western Railroad (RRVW) announced today that Nate Asplund will succeed Andy Thompson as President & CEO. Asplund most recently served as Assistant Vice President – Mexico for BNSF Railway, where he led a US and Mexico-based team that provides rail and intermodal transportation to and from Mexico.
RRVW worked with Jason Ward, managing partner of Industrial Search Partners, to conduct a comprehensive search for RRVW’s new President & CEO.
“Jason’s expertise and industry relationships helped us find an outstanding successor to Andy Thompson in Nate Asplund,” said Martha Head, trustee for the family trust that owns the short line railroad that run through North Dakota and Minnesota. “Nate brings knowledge and experience in the rail industry that will be invaluable in helping us formulate strategies for RRVW’s future. His contacts and relationships in the rail community also promise to be extremely useful. Most importantly, we are excited about his impressive intelligence, integrity and vision. We are confident we’ve selected the right person to lead RRVW’s continued growth and development.”
Asplund began his career at BNSF as an Agricultural Commodity Transportation Specialist. He then spent 13 years at Crowley Maritime Corporation, where he served in roles of increasing responsibility, cumulating as Director of International Marketing. After returning to BNSF in 2007, he led its Public Private Partnership group, which successfully worked with local, state and federal governments to complete several rail projects that reduce congestion and facilitate growth. He was appointed to AVP Mexico in 2010. Asplund earned a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics from The Ohio State University, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University.
Thompson will retire at the end of the month after ensuring a smooth transition for Asplund in his new role.
“Andy Thompson, has been a highly valued member of RRVW since 2005,” stated Head. “Under his leadership, RRVW has grown to a company of more than 100 employees engaged in the transport of over 60,000 freight cars per year. We deeply appreciate Andy’s leadership over the last decade and wish him every happiness in his retirement.”
ABOUT RED RIVER VALLEY & WESTERN RAILROAD
Red River Valley & Western is a shortline railroad serving the US states of North Dakota and Minnesota. The railroad operates 577 miles of track and transports over 60,000 carloads of agricultural products and other commodities annually. It is dedicated to providing excellent service to its shippers. RRVW has twice received the Railway Age Regional Railroad of the Year Award and has received the BNSF Shortline Achievement Award as well as the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s “Jake Award” for safety.
ABOUT INDUSTRIAL SEARCH PARTNERS
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