ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the organization that serves as the heritage rail line’s museum arm, has hired Rick Marsden as its new executive director.
The Friends board announced the move Jan. 24. The hiring is effective Feb. 13. Marsden will replace Tim Tennant, retiring after 20 years as the top official for the Albuquerque-based nonprofit organization.
Marsden, a resident of Placitas, N.M., and a member of the Friends since 2014, has served as a photo archivist and an on-board host on special excursion trains. He has also volunteered with the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society’s restoration of Santa Fe 4-8-4 No. 2926 in Albuquerque, N.M. In his new position, he will oversee the Friends office staff and coordinate volunteer activities, most of which take place along the 64-mile line between Chama, N.M., and Antonito, Colo.
Friends Board Chairman Don Stewart said in a press release that Marsden is well qualified for the job thanks to a multifaceted corporate career and his extensive involvement in volunteering both for the Friends and the 2929 project.
Marsden has demonstrated energy and excitement, particularly with efforts to increase the Friends’ volunteer base and increase the Friends’ public profile, Stewart said. “He wants to be out there and talk with people.”
Second to last paragraph, it is the 2926 project.