Watco promotes two, hires another

Written by jrood

Watco Locomotive Services has promoted Keith Testerman and Dan Martin and has hired Tracy Wright.

Testerman has been named assistant vice president, chief mechanical officer. In his new position, Testerman will be responsible for assisting in the continued growth and improvement of corporate locomotive management. He will oversee and provide leadership for the locomotive department’s critical role of achieving Watco’s Customer First Foundation Principals.

Tesrterman brings with him to his new position 23 years of railroad experience along with 32 plus years of mechanical experience. He began his railroad career as an equipment maintenance mechanic at the Kiamichi Railroad in 1989. He later accepted the position of CMO of Kiamichi Railroad before moving to regional CMO for RailAmerica. He joined the Watco Team in 2007 as a director of locomotive support and has been responsible for implementing training of locomotive technicians, locomotive acquisitions, as well as existing locomotive improvement projects.

Martin has accepted the position of corporate direc¬tor of locomotive support. In this position, he will be responsible for project develop¬ment and locomotive shipping, while providing hands-on training and locomotive sup¬port to all Watco locations. Martin will assure that team members and their operations are compliant with Watco Policy and Procedures and Federal Railway Administration Rules and Regulations.

Martin has 10 years of experience in the field of locomotive repair. He started his railroad career in 2002 washing locomotives with Austin Area Terminal Railroad, in early 2005 he advanced to the position of chief mechanical officer. He joined the Watco team in October of 2007 as chief mechanical officer for the Austin Western Railroad.

Wright was hired as corporate di¬rector of locomotive support. In this position, he will be responsible for further devel¬opment of Watco’s training program, portal development, fleet management, while providing locomotive support to all Watco locations.

Wright has 19 years of experience in locomotive maintenance and management in Nebraska, Texas and Arkansas.

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