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Val Kucherenko

he/him/his
Director, Railway Education
Department: Center For Railway Research and Education
Office:
Henry Center for Executive Development
3535 Forest Rd Rm C34
Lansing, MI 48910
In-Person Office Hours
Monday:
9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday:
9:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday:
9:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday:
9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday:
9:00am - 5:00pm
Phone: (517) 353-5667
Fixed Term-Faculty
Department: Executive Development Programs
  • Biography
    A commercially savvy professional in international sales, marketing, and supply chain strategy, with over 20 years of experience driving operational excellence and competitive advantage across the transportation and logistics sector. This journey has included leadership roles at Fortune 150 and CPG companies, with a strong foundation in maritime and intermodal operations.

    After six rewarding years with CPKC, supporting cross border collaboration and commercial strategy, the transition to Michigan State University marked a new chapter focused on advancing industry partnerships and shaping the future of rail through research, education, and program development at the Center for Railway Research and Education (CRRE).

    This global perspective is grounded in deep market knowledge across North America and Europe, strengthened by five international assignments in the USA, Spain, Italy, Russia, and Canada. Academic credentials include an MBA from McMaster University, Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP) designation from Canada’s Logistics Association and a specialized M.I.S.E. (Maersk International Shipping Education) certification from Copenhagen, Denmark.

    Outside of work, life is anchored by a close-knit family - married with two sons who continue to inspire pride and purpose. A lifelong hockey enthusiast, drawn to the sport’s grit, strategy, and camaraderie, much like the values that guide a career in transportation and leadership.
  • Education
    Master of Business Administration MBA 2023, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University
    Certified Logistics Professional CCLP 2018, Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation (CITT)
    Maersk International Shipping Education Graduate M.I.S.E. 2006, The A.P. Moller-Maersk Group / Copenhagen Business Scholl
    Master of Engineering Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering 2004, Saint Petersburg State Marine Technical University
  • Publications
    Article
    Kelly, M. (2024), Teamsters Canada rail strike looms, Maersk halts Canadian imports. https://www.automotivelogistics.media/emergency-logistics/teamsters-canada-rail-strike-looms-maersk-...
    Article
    Kucherenko, V. (2025), MSU RMCP Marks 20 Years. https://www.railwayage.com/news/msu-rmcp-marks-20-years/
    Article
    Kucherenko V. (2025), Michigan State Center for Railway Research and Education Celebrates 20th RMCP with Record Enrollment and Innovations. https://www.rtands.com/news/news-news/michigan-state-center-for-railway-research-and-education-celeb...
  • Awards
    • Dean's Honour List Recipient
      Dean’s Honour List is awarded at the conclusion of Level 1 and Level 2.

      https://certificates.degroote.mcmaster.ca/dd32f5e4-cb51-4036-9d0c-a1ca52c46506
  • Media Mentions
    • ARTICLE
      On Track for Innovation: MSU’s Hybrid Rail Inspection System Sets a New Standard for Safety and Speed
      September 9, 2025
      Outlet: MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page
      “Very few times in a railroad person’s life do you get to help change the industry for the better,” said Chris Bagwell, President at A&B. “This collaboration with MSU is doing just that.”, MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page, September 2025
    • ARTICLE
      Teamsters Canada rail strike looms, Maersk halts Canadian imports
      August 19, 2024
      Outlet: Automotive Logistics, Ultima Media part of Süddeutscher Verlag
      "Canada-destined shipments that require rail transport are being halted ahead of the Teamsters union’s potential strike action on Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC).", Kelly, M., Automotive Logistics, August 2024
  • Links

Related News:

Audio
Broad Matters podcast hosted by the MSU Broad College of Business, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts
Valerii Kucherenko joins Broad Matters to discuss CRRE’s role in rail education and industry leadership.
Professional headshot of Valerii Kucherenko
Learn about MSU's railroad education program and the new director who plans to launch it into new horizons.