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Rick Webb |
Chief Executive
Officer since 1998, Rick’s primary responsibility has been the
growth and strategic direction of Watco. Prior to becoming CEO,
Rick learned the business by working alongside his father in various
positions within Watco, including management and leadership
positions in operations, purchasing, marketing, accounting and
financial management. A vigorous supporter of his community, Rick advocates for Pittsburg State University and many local schools and community organizations. He is member of the Pittsburg State University Foundation Board of Trustees, Community National Bank‘s (CNB) Advisory Board of Directors and U.S. Bank’s Market Board of Directors. Rick earned a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from Pittsburg State
University. |
Terry Towner |
Terry's’s long-term relationship with Watco dates back to the purchase of Watco’s first railcar repair
shop in Coffeyville in 1987. Since that time he has been involved
in numerous project milestones including analysis and advice on
numerous acquisitions and all major financing projects. He oversees
all operations of the transportation, mechanical and
transloading/intermodal divisions. |
 Gary Lundy Executive Vice President - Support Services 315 W. 3rd Street Pittsburg, KS 66762 Phone: 620-231-2230 Fax: 620-231-0812 glundy@watcocompanies.com |
Gary oversees Watco’s support services departments including purchasing, safety, and
property management. |
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Ed McKechnie, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer |
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 Ed McKechnie Executive Vice President - Chief Commercial Officer 315 W. 3rd Street Pittsburg, KS 66762 Phone: 620-231-2230 Fax: 620-231-0812 emckechnie@watcocompanies.com |
Ed joined the Watco team in May of 2000 and with the Company’s tremendous growth, Ed now leads Watco’s strategic development and marketing teams with a focus on growing the business and finding new opportunities in the transportation industry. Ed was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 1991 and was re-elected 4 more times, serving a total of 10 years. He served on numerous committees including transportation, appropriations and the joint committee on Legislative Post Audit, the investigative arm of the Legislature. He also served on the personal staff for Governor John Carlin and U.S. Congressman Dan Glickman in Washington, D.C. Ed was elected by his rail colleagues to chair the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s (ASLRRA) Legislative Policy Committee in 2003. In that position he led the legislative effort that passed the short line tax credit providing $3,500 in annual tax credits for each mile of track Watco maintains. He also serves on the ASLRRA Executive Committee. In 2007 Ed was appointed to the nine-member Kansas Bio Science Authority, which will direct more than $500 million in research and development grants during the next 10 years. In 2010 he was appointed to the Kansas Board of Regents. Ed earned a bachelor's degree from Pittsburg State University in 1986. |
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Rick Baden, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer |
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Rick Baden |
Rick joined the Watco team in December of 2004 as executive vice president and chief financial officer. In this position he is responsible for directing and managing company accounting functions, financial strategy, budgeting and forecasting. He also directs all investment and funding for the company's capital structure and ensures the safeguarding of company assets and internal control structure. Rick served as president and chief financial officer of Pitt Plastics, a $100 million plastics manufacturer. His seventeen years of experience in general management, accounting management, project management, and auditing span from the manufacturing, distribution, and the technology industries. He is a member of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s (ASLRRA) Finance and Administration Committee, and a member of the Pittsburg Economic Development Advisory Committee. A Certified Public Accountant, Baden graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1990. |
 Craig Richey Executive Vice President General Counsel 315 W. 3rd Street Pittsburg, KS 66762 Phone: 620-231-2230 Fax: 620-231-0812 crichey@watcocompanies.com |
Craig joined the Watco team in 2003 and serves as executive vice president and general counsel. His relationship with Watco began in 1990 while in private practice with Wilbert and Towner Law Offices in Pittsburg, Kansas and since then Craig has been actively involved in all Watco acquisitions.
Craig had practiced law for 13 years with Wilbert and Towner and
was a managing partner the last seven years of his practice at the
firm. |