BANGOR – Frederic W. Yocum Jr., a 30-year veteran of the railroad industry, this week assumed his new duties as president of Bangor and Aroostook Railroad.

Yocum has taken over the responsibilities held by Daniel R. Sabin, who resigned effective Feb. 20 as vice president and chief operating officer.

“I look forward to the challenge of leading the Bangor and Aroostook system with its proud history and continued importance to the Maine economy,” said Yocum in a prepared statement.

Yocum is no stranger to Bangor and Aroostook Railroad and its parent company, Iron Road Railways Inc. He became associated with the companies in late 1998, first as a consultant and later as a director. Iron Road Railways purchased B&A in 1995.

“We are pleased that Fred Yocum has accepted this position and ask that all parties give Fred their full support in tackling the challenges that lie ahead,” said Robert T. Schmidt, the president and Chief executive officer of Iron Road Railways.

Company officials said Yocum has an impressive career of more than 30 years in the railroad industry. He has held senior executive positions, including vice president of CSX Transportation and president and chief executive officer of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, a regional railroad located in the Midwest.

Sabin has worked for B&A since 1995 and for Iron Road since it was formed in 1993. “Dan Sabin has contributed greatly to the development of the Bangor and Aroostook system and can be very proud of the numerous accomplishments attained during his stewardship,” Schmidt said.

Sabin will concentrate his efforts as president and chief executive officer of the Iowa Northern Railway, according to the company’s prepared statement.

The Bangor and Aroostook Railroad, which employs about 350 people, provides freight service for major producers of paper, lumber, wood and agricultural products in Maine.

It is part of an 858-mile regional railroad system in the United States and Canada, known as the Bangor and Aroostook System. Other companies in the system are the Canadian American Railroad, the Quebec Southern Railway, the Northern Vermont Railroad and the Van Buren Bridge Co. All companies are owned by Iron Road Railways, a short line and regional railroad holding company based in Alexandria, Va.