About R. Mark Schmidt

BSME 1973, University of Missouri - Rolla
MS Mgmt, Northwestern University - Evanston, IL
Professional ME 2004, University of Missouri - Rolla

Mark Schmidt was appointed as assistant vice president, short line development in January, 2004. Schmidt oversees 19,000 miles of short lines operations connecting with BNSF, generating revenues of over $1.7 billion annually. Since joining BNSF in 1974, Schmidt has held numerous positions in the organization including assistant vice president, network strategy; assistant vice president, customer interface; assistant vice president, strategic studies and analysis; director, industrial engineering; manager of locomotive planning; locomotive supervisor, and car supervisor. Prior to joining BNSF, Schmidt served as a production engineer for Phillips Petroleum.

Schmidt holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri - Rolla, a Masters of Management from Northwestern University, Kellogg School in Evanston, Illinois and an honorary engineering degree from the University of Missouri - Rolla. Schmidt serves on the Board of directors of Piedmont Bushing Insulators, Inc., the Southlake Carroll Lacrosse Association, as well as the National Kidney Foundation of North Texas. He is a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, Operations Research Society of America, California Winegrape Growers Association, Allied Grape Growers and the America Rose Society.

Mark and his wife, Dr. Janet Kinney, a partner in Neonatal Health Associates in Grapevine, live in Southlake, Texas with their two sons, Peter and Tad. Mark enjoys growing roses and also owns and operates a vineyard and orchard in California.