RRVW names Zink to new economic development post

The Red River Valley & Western Railroad has appointed Daniel Zink to the newly created post of Vice President, Economic Development and Community Affairs of the 577-mile regional (Class II) railroad.

Zink joined RRVW in 1992, serving as Director of Administration with responsibility for finance and accounting, business development, legislative affairs and capital investment analysis.

Based at Wahpeton, N.Dak. and reporting to RRVW President Nate Asplund, Zink’s expanded role includes responsibility for executing the railroad’s strategy to locate new industries on the RRVW network.

Zink will also lead RRVW’s engagement with public sector leaders at the state, county, and local level. In addition, he will oversee the railroad’s property and contract management activities. Reporting to him is Jill Kvidera, who will coordinate the administration of land purchases, easements, and leases of RRVW property and track.

Prior to joining the RRVW, Zink was a research associate at the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute from 1981 to 1992.

He has degrees in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University.

Zink is a director of the American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association as well as community development boards in Wahpeton. He also serves on the Advisory Council of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute.

The Red River Valley & Western started in July 1987 over track acquired from BNSF Railway predecessor Burlington Northern in central and southeastern North Dakota and western Minnesota. RRVW reports it has tripled its original volume in the past 29 years. Railway Age named The Class II railroad Regional Railroad of the Year twice, in 1997 and 2005.