NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mendocino Railway
10/06/2025
MENDOCINO RAILWAY PRESIDENT AND CEO ROBERT JASON PINOLI ELECTED TO ASLRRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FORT BRAGG, CALIFORNIA (October 6, 2026) – Mendocino Railway announced today that President and CEO Robert Jason Pinoli has been elected to the Board of Directors of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), representing the association’s Pacific Region.
Pinoli was elected during the Pacific Region Sandhouse Session at ASLRRA’s Fall Super Regional Meeting in St. Louis. His three-year term as Pacific Regional Director will run from 2027 through 2030.
ASLRRA represents the nation’s short line and regional railroad industry and is governed by a Board of Directors that includes Regional Directors elected by members of their respective regions. In his new role, Pinoli will represent the Pacific Region while continuing to contribute to the association’s work on behalf of short line and regional railroads nationwide.
“It is an honor to be elected by my peers to represent the Pacific Region on ASLRRA’s Board of Directors,” said Pinoli. “Short line and regional railroads play an essential role in connecting communities and businesses to the national rail network. I look forward to working alongside fellow board members to support our industry, strengthen the voice of short line railroads and help advance the issues that matter to our members.”
“Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Robert, and what stands out is his willingness to show up and advocate for our industry,” said Laura Anne McNichol, ASLRRA Board Member and Chair of the Legislative and Policy Committee. “We appreciate his commitment to traveling to Washington, D.C., to help tell the story of our nation’s short line railroads. We welcome Robert to the ASLRRA Board of Directors, and I look forward to serving alongside him in the years ahead.”
Pinoli serves as President and CEO of Mendocino Railway, a Class III railroad serving Northern California. Under his leadership, Mendocino Railway provides freight and passenger rail service and operates the historic California Western Railroad, commonly known as the Skunk Train, in Mendocino County, as well as the River Fox Train in West Sacramento.
Throughout his term, Pinoli will work alongside fellow ASLRRA Board members to represent the priorities of Pacific Region railroads and support the continued growth, safety and long-term sustainability of the short line and regional railroad industry.
ABOUT MENDOCINO RAILWAY
Mendocino Railway is a federally recognized Class III public utility and common carrier railroad providing freight, excursion, and commuter passenger services across Northern California. Formed in 2004 with approval from the Surface Transportation Board. Mendocino Railway owns and operates the California Western Railroad in Mendocino County—home to the world-famous Skunk Train, and the River Fox Train in Yolo County. Mendocino Railway is committed to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible rail operations. The company continues to invest in infrastructure, sustainability, and community partnerships that preserve California’s rail legacy and support the regions it serves. For more information, visit www.mendocinorailway.com
About ASLRRA
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), founded in 1913, represents the owners and operators of short line and regional railroads throughout North America. Its membership includes more than 1,000 companies, including Class II and III railroads, switching, terminal and tourist/excursion railroads, and companies that supply goods and services to the short line industry. ASLRRA serves its members through representation in Washington, D.C., industry services, professional development, training, meetings and conferences. For more information, visit www.aslrra.org
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Images available upon request.
Media Contacts:
Kimberly Preciado, Mendocino Railway
kpreciado@mendocinorailway.com
