Modesto short-line's Bienvenu elected chair of Beard's board

Modesto & Empire Traction Co. President and Chief Executive Officer John Bienvenu has been elected chairman of the short line's parent, Beard Land and Investment Co.

Bienvenu has been on Beard's board since May 2011. As chairman, he succeeds Richard Sipos.

Modesto and Empire Traction is situated in the 2,000-acre Beard Industrial District park in Modesto, California. The short line operates a 5-mile main line and an additional 48.7 miles of track within the industrial park. The short line interchanges with BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad.

Bienvenu's grandfather, John Beard, was one of 10 siblings who founded the Beard companies nearly 100 years ago, Bienvenu said in a press release.

"Our commitment to our customers, our employees and our family shareholders has not wavered over that time, and I look forward to helping Beard and our talented and dedicated management team led by [President and CEO] Dillon Olvera continue its mission," he said.

In addition to Bienvenu's election as chair, the board elected three new directors: Bruce Rueppel, Lon Van Gemert and Ronald Naess.

Rueppel is a partner in the private equity firm Guard Hill Holdings; Van Gemert most recently served as CEO of Progressive Rail Inc.; and Naess is a member of the Beard family whose great-grandmother was one of the company's original founders.