Dave Stropes
Vice Chair & Chief Operating Officer
Dave Stropes retired at the end of 2015 from his position as BNSF Railway’s vice president, Corporate Audit Services.
Dave led BNSF’s internal audit program from May 2004 until his retirement. In this role, Dave was responsible for providing recommendations on management controls and processes, safeguarding of company assets, reliability of information, and compliance with policies and procedures.
During his more than 30 years with BNSF, Dave focused on ensuring the company upheld the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and compliance.
Stropes joined BNSF in 1984 and served in a variety of positions in Accounting, Finance and Marketing, prior to being named to his internal audit role. These roles included serving as assistant vice president (AVP) and assistant controller in Finance from 1999 to 2002, and as AVP, Consumer Accounts Marketing and Sales, from 2002 to 2004.
After retiring, Dave taught a graduate business ethics course at Texas Christian University for two semesters. He currently volunteers as Vice Chair of Me Squared Cancer Foundation and as a member of the finance committee of The Cliburn.
Stropes is a Certified Public Accountant and has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree in management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Dave is a two-time brain cancer survivor.
“I was so blessed when I was diagnosed with cancer. I had fantastic doctors, great health insurance and benefits from my employer, financial resources, and most of all the love and support of family and friends. Unfortunately, many people diagnosed with cancer are not as fortunate. That is why I am very involved with the Me Squared Cancer Foundation, to reduce the stress and worry for others so that they can focus on healing.”