AHRS Board of Directors
Logan Stilwill is the President of the American Heartland Railroad Society and has been part of the organization since the very beginning. The AHRS first started out as a group of friends sitting down and discussing their vision of railroad history and preservation, which led to the official formation of the fledgling organization. What started as a “what if” has blossomed into a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers and members.
“I want to see the organization work with the community to provide an educational experience that helps teach current and future generations about the industry that helped to build this country, while showcasing the men and women who helped make it possible.”
Stilwill is a Conductor for the Canadian National Railway. His day-to-day consists of moving freight across northwest Iowa while servicing customers and industries. Outside of work, Stilwill likes to travel, spend time with family and friends, study WWII history, and just relax with a good book.
Logan Stilwill
President
Matt Hultman is the Vice President of the organization and is one of the contributors to the creation of the American Heartland Railroad Society. In the long term, Hultman would love to see the AHRS become a staple of railroad preservation
“Logan and I have discussed the idea for AHRS for years. To see it come to fruition is incredible. I see this as a way to give back to future generations.”
Outside of the AHRS, Hultman is a Locomotive Engineer/Conductor. During his free time, he likes to hang out with friends and family and attend sporting events.
Matt Hultman
Vice President
Jacob Hildreth
Jacob Hildreth is the Treasurer of the American Heartland Railroad Society. Hildreth joined the organization because of his passion for preserving railroad history. His goals for the AHRS are to use historic equipment to educate the public about the history and practices of railroading.
“I believe that the sensory experience of a live steam locomotive can transcend generations and spark interest in anyone.”
Hildreth works as a Rail Logistics Specialist for Poet Bioproducts, managing a fleet of over 3,000 covered hoppers and tank cars, and has previous experience as a railroad conductor and railcar repair inspector.
Hildreth’s hobbies are model railroading, golf, and video games. He also loves to spend time with his wife, dog, two cats, and tortoise.
Treasurer
Mitchell Horn
Mitchell Horn is the Secretary of the organization with his expertise in writing and compliance. For a long time, he wanted to get involved in historic railroad preservation, especially steam locomotive restoration and operation. Horn would like to see the organization build a large archival collection that helps preserve, present, and interpret the history of railroading, as well as create a safe and dedicated volunteer team.
“When I heard a group of my friends were starting an organization to do just that, I knew that it was a golden opportunity to get in on the ground floor of something spectacular.”
Horn works as a Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Inspector and writes technical reports and completes detail-oriented inspections. During his spare time, he engages in model railroading, miniature wargaming, historical research, and his favorite sport, rugby union.
Secretary
Blake Biermann
Blake Biermann is a Director at the American Heartland Railroad Society. His goal at the AHRS is to teach history by equipment demonstrations to enthusiasts and the general public alike. In addition to restoring G.N. 1355 back to steam, Biermann would also like to see the organization expand and adventure out for more restoration opportunities.
“I was approached by Mr. Stilwill, who asked me if I wanted to play a part in the new preservation group that he and others were forming. Needless to say, I agreed to become a member, and it has been one of the best decisions I've made.”
Biermann works for TrinityRail on their switch crew, moving rail cars around their repair and maintenance facility. He also enjoys helping his family and friends with their various farm and livestock operations, as well as traveling around the United States.
Director
Ethan France
Ethan France is a Director in the organization and strives to preserve and educate about railroad history. His main goal is to see G.N. 1355 restored to operation and roam the rails once more.
“I volunteered for the American Heartland Railroad Society as a chance to do something amazing for my community.”
France’s profession is a truck driver, and he enjoys mowing, working on cars, and other projects outside of work. He is also intrigued by signal systems, including both railroad and traffic.
Director
Jason Williams
Jason Williams is a Director at the American Heartland Railroad Society. Williams wanted to learn more about the process of restoring steam locomotives. He would like to see the AHRS grow its operations in the future.
“I’m excited to see where the future of this amazing organization goes, and I’m proud and honored to be a small part of it.”
Williams works at the Iowa Interstate Railroad as an Engineer/Conductor. Outside of his job, he likes photography, dirt racing, tractor pulling, and playing video games.