BNSF News

Zak Andersen Named Assistant Vice President, Community and Public Affairs

2011-12-08

Zak Andersen has been named assistant vice president, Community and Public Affairs, effective January 16, 2012, reporting to John Ambler, vice president, Corporate Relations.

In his new role, Andersen will oversee the Public Affairs team within the Corporate Relations department, with additional responsibility for community relations, public policy messaging, and public affairs communication and strategy. To better integrate BNSF's community activities with its contribution programs, Andersen will also work to manage the BNSF Foundation, under the leadership of Ambler, who will continue to serve as president of the Foundation.

"Zak Andersen is an insightful leader," said Ambler. "With his deep understanding of national public policy issues and how to effectively interact with community interests, we expect to further enhance relationships with our stakeholders and their support for the railroad."

Andersen joined BNSF in March 2006 as director, Federal Government Affairs. He was promoted to assistant vice president, Federal Government Affairs, in November 2008, with responsibility for federal legislative matters primarily related to economic regulation, energy and environmental issues.

Prior to joining BNSF, Andersen served as a principal with the Gallatin Group, a government and public affairs consultancy for Pacific Northwest companies. Before that he worked nine years for U.S. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), finishing his time in the Senate as the Senator's legislative director from September 2000 through October 2002 and then as chief of staff from November 2002 through January 2005. Andersen has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Montana.

Andersen and his family will be relocating to Fort Worth from Washington D.C.

BNSF Headquarters

BNSF Railway Company
2650 Lou Menk Dr. 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 961057
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0057
Phone: (817) 352-1000

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com