CHAMA, N.M. — The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has named Ed Beaudette as general manager for the 2024 season, the railroad announced Friday. He replaces Steven Butler, who resigned earlier this month.
Beaudette, who worked for many years as the railroad’s manager of engineering and operations, currently serves on the board of the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec, the organization supporting the railroad’s preservation that has more than 2,000 members.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Ed as the General Manager at the Cumbres & Toltec,” said Billy Elbrock of the Cumbres Toltec Operating LLC, the non-profit organization handling daily operations and managing capital projects. “He knows all aspects of railroad operations and is highly regarded by the team. Ed is passionate about railroad preservation and dedicated to ensuring the Cumbres & Toltec provides an outstanding experience. He’s the right person to drive us towards another extraordinary season of historic steam railroading.”
Beaudette joined the Cumbres & Toltec after retiring from a more than 30-year career in a variety of engineering, operating, and project management roles for ExxonMobil. A former Corps of Engineer Officer in the U.S. Army, he has a BS in physics from Norwich University and a Master’s in Engineering from Boston University. He and wife Lorraine live in Chama.
“I’m honored to continue to serve the Cumbres & Toltec,” Beaudette said. “The team are wonderful, hardworking, and dedicated to taking great care of this historic treasure. We are eager for the 2024 season to begin so we can provide the ride of a lifetime on North America’s highest, longest, and most authentic steam railroad.”
Butler had only been in the general manager position since last October [see “Cumbres & Toltec Scenic names new general manager,” Trains News Wire, Oct. 4, 2023].
The railroad’s 2024 season begins May 25. Visit the railroad website for more information.
I wish Cumbres and all its people a very best 2024 season, my wife and rode the last rain of 2023 and were enchanted having ridden trains in USA and many other countries the Cumbres and Toltec was a first rate experience!!