Maher leaving ARPS for American Heritage Railways

UTICA » BethanMaher, longtime executive director of the Adirondack Rail Preservation Society (ARPS), has accepted a new post with the AmericanHeritage Railways to head up the Mount Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum in Washington State.

“Bethan has made an enormous contribution to the success of the Adirondack Scenic Railroad,” said Bill Branson, president of the ARPS. “This new challenge is a compliment to Bethan’s work ethic and the success she has helped to make happen in our operations in the Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks,” he added.

Maher has led the ARPS organization during the transition that has seen the rail operation grow ridership by more than 60 percent and change the finances to a positive annual result. “This significant promotion and career opportunity that I have accepted is a result of the tremendous support and effort by members of the Board of Directors, the staff and the huge cadre of volunteerswho give time and talent to ARPS and the Adirondack Scenic Railroad,” Maher said.

Branson stated that a search for new leadership has begun.

American Heritage Railways is an industry leader in rail- related special events management, coordinating events based on popular brands at venues around the world and operates three railroads, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad and Mount Rainier Railroad.

The Adirondack Rail Preservation Society operates the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, an important tourism attraction and economic engine joining together the Mohawk Valley and the Adirondack Olympic Region of New York State.