Northern Central Railway of York Appoints New Executive Director
Northern Central Railway of York Appoints New
Executive Director Ashley Zimmerman
NEW FREEDOM, PA – The Northern Central Railway of York Board of Directors has named Ashley Zimmerman as the non-profit organization’s new Executive Director. Zimmerman assumed the role effective immediately.
Zimmerman’s background as the organization’s Director of Sustainability & Fundraising, a position in which she has served since 2020, and her passion for strengthening community ties and expanding the customer experience will support the mission as Northern Central Railway of York moves into its second decade of operation. “We are excited to have Ashley serve as our Executive Director,” stated Board Chairman Jody Anderson Leighty. “She has been instrumental in expanding our critical relationships with many private donors, government agencies and community organizations supporting our mission and has exhibited a tireless commitment to improving the customer experience and our standing in the York community.”
“Our great team has carried on the economic engine vision of our late founders, Bill Simpson and Reed Anderson, and I am thrilled to be tasked with leading our organization to enhance the customer experience, grow ridership and strengthen Northern Central Railway of York’s position as one of the top tourism draws in Central Pennsylvania,” said Zimmerman.
Prior to joining Northern Central Railway of York in 2020, Zimmerman served business development roles with Perform Group LLC, and R.S. Mowery. In addition to her fundraising role, she has led the marketing effort and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics (“S.T.E.A.M.”) youth educational program, teaming up with top-tier educators to expand summer youth camps and hands-on exhibits for visitors. Zimmerman is a native of York County and a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania with a degree in Marketing. In her role as Executive Director, she will oversee a staff of 20 full and part-time employees and more than 50 volunteers. The company’s operations run year-round, with the busiest period occurring between October and December when fall foliage and holiday events attract thousands of riders.
Northern Central Railway of York
Established in 2006 as Steam Into History, Inc. and offering its first rides to customers in 2013, Northern Central Railway of York is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational and charitable organization with a mission of enhancing the economic engine of York County by offering railroad excursions that educate, entertain and enlighten. Based in New Freedom, PA and operating year-round, the railroad operates a replica 1860’s steam locomotive with period coaches on 18 miles of refurbished track between New Freedom and Brillhart Station, just south of the City of York. www.northerncentralrailway.com