Jesse Chalich, AARS Director

Jesse Chalich was appointed President for the Northern Plains Rail (NPR) companies in 2014. In this role, Chalich oversees the day-to-day operations of the company, helping to drive Northern Plains Rail company’s strategies for safety, service, growth, and efficiency. He is accountable for the Operations and Marketing of 348 miles of railroad that connects with the

Canadian Pacific Railway and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe.

Chalich has over 17 years of railroad experience that began with the NPR. Railroading runs in the Chalich family, Jesse is a 4th generation railroader. He started his career as a

conductor/engineer in 1997. From 1998 to 2006, Chalich served as the customer service representative. In 2006, Chalich was promoted to the Marketing Manager for NPR. In this role, Chalich was responsible for maximizing market potential in grain as well as managing strategies, programs, pricing policies and expansion projects. He was assigned to the position of Assistant Vice President in 2009, in 2011 promoted to Vice President Operations, and in 2013 Executive Vice President.

Chalich attended the Railway Management Program at Michigan State University. This program includes a thorough working familiarity of internal railroad operations, financial considerations, and customer service requirements that enable fact based decision making. Chalich was recognized as one of the “20 Rising Stars” in the rail industry in 2014 by Progressive Railroading. He is also currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Heartland Training Railway and American Association of Railroad Superintendents.

Jesse is also a member of American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), American Association of Railroad Superintendents (AARS), and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA).