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5/20/2026
[Editor's note: This article has been updated with the years Kloster was a columnist for Progressive Railroading.]
The Senate on Monday confirmed the appointment of Richard Kloster of West Virginia to the Surface Transportation Board for a term ending Dec. 31, 2028.
Kloster brings decades of rail industry leadership experience to the role. He is the founder and current president of Integrity Rail Partners Inc., a private transportation consulting company that serves the rail industry. He has also served on the National Industrial Transportation League and Railway Supply Institute (RSI) boards, according to Kloster's LinkedIn page.
"We are confident that Kloster will serve with integrity and distinction, and we look forward to his contributions in strengthening the nation’s rail system and supporting a resilient supply chain," said RSI President Ashley Shelton in a press release.
Kloster's confirmation comes at a pivotal time for the STB, which is currently assessing the Union Pacific Railroad-Norfolk Southern Railway merger application for completeness. He fills the fourth seat on the board, which was left vacant by former STB Chairman Martin Oberman, whose term expired in May 2024. One seat remains vacant.
Kloster was a columnist for Progressive Railroading from 2015 until 2025.