Executive Director appointed to lead new era of operations, restorations, development
The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, an award-winning rail preservation non-profit organization in Northeast Indiana, has named Kelly Lynch as its first-ever Executive Director.
Lynch’s appointment marks a new era of growth and community engagement for the non-profit, as its Indiana Rail Experience, a new rail tourism program connecting Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, was named Indiana’s Best New Experience in 2023. He has served as a dedicated board member for the past 20 years, and steps into the role with a wealth of experience in non-profit administration, marketing, fundraising, and railroad operations.
Under his leadership, the organization created the Indiana Rail Experience and has successfully raised over $2 million for the program since 2022, ensuring the continued preservation and celebration of Indiana’s rich railroad heritage.
“After 52 years as an all-volunteer organization, we have come a long way from restoring and operating a historic steam locomotive that was once displayed in Lawton Park,” stated Wayne York, founding member of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “With our growing tourist railroad operation and the restoration of the Pleasant Lake depot and several vintage passenger cars, we also have a few projects and surprises in the works to keep preserving and making railroad history in our region. Kelly is a second-generation volunteer and his special combination of skills and expertise make him a natural choice to shepherd these efforts.”
Lynch has two decades of experience in both the railroad and rail preservation industries and has worked in operations and administrative roles for dozens of railroads, non-profits, museums, and institutions dedicated to historic transportation preservation. He maintains relationships with various rail operations as a consultant for FMW Solutions and has recently served as a movie train advisor for television and film, including A Man Called Otto (2021) and Sinners (2025). Lynch also serves on the Locomotive Task Force Committee for the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
As a volunteer, Lynch oversaw the creation of the first steam-powered passenger excursions in downtown Chicago in over 45 years, spearheaded the collaboration between the Fort Wayne Railroad and Progress Rail for the restoration of a historic diesel locomotive, and negotiated the acquisition of over ten passenger cars for the organization’s fleet of historic rolling stock and the purchase of the Pleasant Lake depot. Between 2011 and 2016, he championed efforts to include the railroad attractions in riverfront development efforts in downtown Fort Wayne, setting the stage for the now flourishing Indiana Rail Experience.
Lynch is an award-winning filmmaker who holds a certification from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the New York Film Academy. Outside of his contributions to the rail preservation community, Lynch has previously served as the Video Creative Director at Sweetwater, and as a board member for Dekalb County Visitors Bureau and Angola Main Street. He is the son of former Fort Wayne Railroad volunteer Dan Lynch, a crew member from the 1970s restoration of Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765. For an in-depth interview on his rail preservation career, click here.
“It is one of the greatest joys of my life to serve the organization that has shaped so much of it,” expressed Lynch. “I deeply appreciate the extraordinary community behind the Fort Wayne Railroad for their support as we work to celebrate and save our rich railroad history and provide outstanding experiences while we do it. I want to especially thank the board of directors and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company for their trust in this great new adventure.”
Ridership on the Indiana Rail Experience has grown over 114% in three years and the Fort Wayne Railroad’s next offerings include the Fall Colors Steam Special on October 19th and 20th, the diesel-powered Autumn Limited trips on October 25th, 26th, and 27th, and the Indiana Christmas Trains in December. For tickets and information, visit indianarails.org.
