Leadership Growth Strengthens the Future of Northern Plains
Congratulations are in order for both Ben Liden and Jalene Suda for their recent promotions within the leadership team at Northern Plains, marking an important step in ongoing leadership growth across the organization. “Both Ben and Jalene have made significant contributions to the success of our companies over the years, and we are not only grateful for their commitment to our growth, but also for their continued willingness to always step up to the challenges we face,” says Gregg F. Haug, NP Chairman.
Ben Liden has been appointed Vice President of Operations. In this role, he will have executive responsibility for the day-to-day operations of both the Northern Plains Railroad and its US-based service companies, including our track construction and maintenance division.
“Ben is a great example of a railroader who has risen through the ranks by focusing on safety first, service, and learning the business,” says Mr. Haug. Ben started his career in the summer of 2001 as a track employee with a Red River Valley contractor. He credits his dad, Mike Liden, for mentoring him on his professional path, and before long was working as a Section Foreman at the Minnesota Northern Railway. He continued to accept positions of increased responsibility, including leading signal maintenance and construction projects, and by 2010 he held responsibility for three railroads: the MNN, St. Croix Valley Railroad, and Dakota Northern.
Ben joined NPR in 2013 and reflects, “While the Minnesota Northern group provided a great opportunity for me to grow as a railroader, I was very impressed with the growth and opportunity that Northern Plains was experiencing.” Promoted to Roadmaster in 2014, Ben has grown in each role he has enjoyed since, responding to challenges like record-breaking winter conditions and temperatures, floods, and above all improving the safety culture. “It’s our excellent people who make us thrive,” says Ben.
Ben is looking forward to his new role and says, “I remember my mom driving me to the local Home of Economy store in Grand Forks to buy my first pair of steel-toed safety boots. While she had to lend me the sixty bucks to buy them, it was the start of a great career that I hope to continue as we keep focusing on our safety, our commitment to customers, and delivering the best product possible every day.”
Jalene Suda has been promoted to the new position of Assistant Vice President – Human Resources and Benefits. In this role, she will be responsible for executive leadership of our HR programs and benefits, which include the continued development of employees and strategic planning across the entire Northern Plains group.
“Since joining NPR in 2012 at the Fordville operational headquarters, Jalene has helped us add significant value to both our employees and the companies through the introduction of new benefit programs and hiring practices, and establishing quality training, skills development, and leadership programs. She has also developed a great supporting staff who bring professionalism and integrity that every employee at Northern Plains benefits from,” remarks Haug. “Please join me, along with all of us at Northern Plains, in congratulating Jalene for this much deserved promotion.”
Jalene looks forward to continuing to partner with leaders and employees across the Northern Plains family of companies to strengthen our workforce, support employee development, and ensure our people strategies remain aligned with the company’s continued growth.
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