President-elect Donald Trump nominates David Fink as FRA administrator
President-elect Donald Trump revealed on social media on Dec. 21, 2024, that he has nominated David Fink as the next administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Fink has more than 45 years of experience in the transportation industry and leadership and is the fifth generation of his family to work in the railroad industry. After graduating with a Master's Degree in Logistics, he went to work for General Motors in the 1980s. He is also the former CEO of Pan Am Railway.
In his post on Truth Social announcing the nomination, Trump said Fink will “deliver the FRA into a new era of safety and technological innovation.”
Industry reacts to Fink’s nomination
Several industry leaders issued statements saying they are looking forward to working with Fink to advance the rail industry forward.
“David Fink’s extensive railroad and transportation experience makes him a great candidate for administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. Amtrak successfully collaborated with David on safety, technology and passenger train performance while he led Pan Am Railways. “We look forward to working with Secretary Designee Duffy, Administrator Designee Fink, President-elect Trump and Congress as we elevate the travel experience, revitalize the economy, create jobs and transform intercity passenger rail for this great country,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen J. Gardner.
“AmeriStarRail is proud to support President Trump’s nomination of former Pan Am Railways president David A. Fink as the next administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. From our time as transportation management students at Northeastern University, I’ve known David to be a visionary and strategic problem solver which he has shown throughout his railroad career. AmeriStarRail looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate with President Trump, Congress, the [United States Department of Transportation] USDOT, Administrator nominee David Fink and the FRA to pursue private sector innovation to help Amtrak grow ridership and marketshare on the Northeast Corridor,” said AmeriStarRail COO Scott R. Spencer.
Brandon Lewis | Associate Editor
Brandon Lewis is a recent graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lewis is a former freelance editorial assistant at Vehicle Service Pros.com in Endeavor Business Media’s Vehicle Repair Group. Lewis brings his knowledge of web managing, copyediting and SEO practices to Mass Transit Magazine as an associate editor.
