Hank Dittmar, the former director of the Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP), has been selected to serve as President and CEO of The Great American Station Foundation, the non-profit organization which was established in 1996 to promote community economic development through the preservation of America's railroad stations.

As STPP's director during the legislative campaign to renew the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), Dittmar led this coalition in partnership with the Conference of Mayors and other local government groups to preserve the ISTEA framework, a successful campaign that culminated in the enactment of "TEA-21" last year.

Dittmar brings an extensive background in local government transportation issues which predates his work at STPP.  He was Manager of Legislation and Finance at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in the San Francisco Bay area, an agency that is regarded as one of the premier regional transportation organizations in the nation.  He was previously the Director of the Santa Monica Airport and also served as a senior analyst for a transit agency.

Conference Executive Director J. Thomas Cochran praised this appointment, stating,  "For a number of years, Hank Dittmar has been closely associated with the Conference of Mayors on a number of initiatives and has worked extensively with many of the nation's mayors.  In his new capacity, we look forward to stronger ties with Hank and The Foundation in helping communities preserve and redevelop the nation's rail stations, key assets in our cities which will benefit from his leadership and expertise."

In directing The Great American Station Foundation, Dittmar will guide key programs that include the awarding of revitalization grants to communities for rail station modernization and development.  Since 1996, the Foundation has awarded 24 such grants to communities throughout the country.  It also partners with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in sponsoring the Endangered Stations list.

Commenting on the appointment, Foundation Chair Tom Downs, who is the Vice President and CEO of the National Association of Homebuilders and a former Amtrak President, said, "He has the knowledge and leadership skills to use stations as an effective tool for community redevelopment."

Also serving with Down on the Board overseeing the Foundation's work is Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith, who also serves as a member of the Amtrak Board and a leader of the Conference's work on inter-city passenger rail issues.