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Jonas new president of East Troy Electric Railroad

EAST TROY — The East Troy Electric Railroad has announced the appointment of Ryan Jonas as president and Bernie Van Dinter as chairman of the board.

At age 23, Jonas is the youngest certified operator and president in the history of the organization.

“It’s an honor to serve as president of the East Troy Electric Railroad,” Jonas said in a news release. “I’m looking forward to doing my part in leading the railroad into its 106th year of consecutive operation.

“I also hope to introduce the railroad to young adults interested in historic trains and those that have an affinity for maintaining the past so it can be shared with future generations.”

The nonprofit railroad, one of only three electric interurban railways in the U.S. that have maintained electric operations for more than 100 years, continues to be operated and managed by a legion of volunteers committed to the operation and preservation of historic trolleys and interurban railcars.

Jonas, a resident of Greendale, is the assistant director of technology at Messmer Catholic Schools in Milwaukee. He previously was a network technician at Greendale Public Schools. Jonas was the recipient of the Youth Service to the Church award from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 2009.

Jonas has served as a volunteer at the East Troy Electric Railroad for the past six years, holding a variety of leadership roles, including director and assistant director of operations, dinner train manager, director of technology, webmaster and train operator.

Van Dinter, 79, has been a volunteer at the railroad since 1994. He has served as the organization’s director and secretary and has spearheaded numerous campaigns, including fundraising, membership development and the reconstruction of four highway crossings.

Van Dinter’s professional career includes 40 years at the Wisconsin Electric Power Co. He currently resides in Greendale.

“Ryan has done a tremendous job since he came on board six years ago,” Van Dinter said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming other young adults that are interested in ensuring the longevity of the museum and playing a pivotal role in one of Wisconsin’s more unique attractions.”

For more information about the railroad, visit www.easttroyrr.org.