As of June 9, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) unanimously voted to appoint Wesley Heinz to the position of interim executive director while Mr. John Garner, current director, was granted a 60-day sabbatical to address health and family concerns.

Mr. Heinz comes to WMSR with extensive experience and proven leadership background and is the current Executive Director of the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum in Portland, Maine. His experience includes historic preservation, revenue-generating events, comprehensive fundraising, and marketing. Heinz is responsible for increased daily performance, improved cost-saving measures and has identified opportunities through strategic planning in his current position. He also has experience providing presentations to state and local officials through a fundraising capital campaign. Heinz has used his professional relationships to assist the WMSR with equipment and right-of-way challenges and has been instrumental in providing expertise for the restoration of WMSR steam locomotive no. 1309.

“We are happy to welcome Wesley to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and look forward to his visionary project management style and his expertise with steam,” said Mike McKay, WMSR board president and Delegate for District 1C in Allegany and Washington Counties.

-via Press Release