David Fink, former president of Pan Am Railways, was confirmed on October 7 as the next administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. Fink was confirmed with a slate of other Trump appointees in a 50 to 45 vote in the U.S. Senate, with five members not voting. 

In a statement to the media, Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies celebrated the confirmation. 

“Freight rail is the backbone of the American economy – moving what matters safely, efficiently, and reliably every day. David’s unique experience as a fifth-generation railroader brings unmatched expertise to this role, enabling data-driven regulation and modernization that strengthens safety and performance across the network,” Jefferies said. “AAR looks forward to collaborating with Administrator Fink and the FRA to advance smart, evidence-based policies that foster innovation, enhance supply chain resilience, and support U.S. global competitiveness. Together, we can ensure America’s rail system continues to lead the world.”

Fink is the son of the late David A. Fink, who teamed up with Timothy Mellon in the 1980s to acquire the Maine Central, Boston & Maine, and Delaware & Hudson to form the Guilford Rail System (later to become Pan Am Railways after Mellon purchased the failed airline’s name). Mellon was also a major contributor to the Trump campaign. 

David Fink began his career at General Motors in the 1980s and joined his father’s railroad in 1998. He became president in 2006 and stayed on until 2022, when the regional railroad was acquired by CSX Transportation.