Roberson named new leader of preservation society

UTICA » Jack A. Roberson is the new executive director of the Adirondack Rail Preservation Society (ARPS) effective.

Roberson’s prior experience includes five years as general manager of the Machu- Picchu Andean Railway, revitalizing that world known tourism at- traction. He also brings experience as the general manager of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad that operates commercial and tourist railroad services over the highest railway in the United States. He was president and CEO of the Central Andean Railway, the largest and heavy haul railroad in Peru; during that assignment he led the complete restructuring of infrastructure, equipment and operations of this 100-mile railroad that rises from sea-level to customers located at 15,000 feet-altitude. Prior to that, Roberson served as general manager for Southern Peru Copper Corporation that operates an industrial railroad.

Roberson said, “I am excited to join a team that has revitalized an important economic asset in central upstate New York. The ARPS and the Adirondack Scenic Railroad are major contributors to and supporters of the tourism and recreation sector from the Mohawk Valley into the Olympic Region of the Adirondacks. My family and I are looking forward to working with the board, staff and hundreds of volunteers to grow this operation to become a magnet attraction in the northeast United States.”

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