PENINSULA, Ohio — Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad President and CEO Joe Mazur will retire from the heritage railroad as of Sept. 30, the railroad announced Thursday.
Mazur joined the railroad in March 2017 following a career in arena management and as President/CEO of International Soap Box Derby, the Akron, Ohio, organization where he had worked since 2011. He led the Cuyahoga Valley through a period that included service interruptions because of the COVID-19 pandemic and three years of track erosion issues along the Cuyahuga River that led to significant suspensions of or modifications to operations. He also oversaw a $4 million capital campaign that brought California Zephyr dome cars and other passenger car upgrades to the railroad and introduced dinner-train and special-event operations.
“It has been an honor to serve as President and CEO of Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad,” Mazur said in a press release. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I am confident that CVSR will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
The railroad’s board of trustees will begin a search for a new chief executive, with Mazur working with the board and executive team to ensure a smooth transition.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate and thank Joe for his unwavering commitment to CVSR,” said James Virost, the board chairman. Under his leadership, the organization went through a period of innovation, growth and transformation. We are extremely grateful for Joe’s many contributions and wish him well.”
