Rick Webb

Chief Executive Officer
Watco Companies
Pittsburg, Kansas

A rail transportation service provider, Watco started in 1983 with one location and a handful of good people.  Today, the Watco team of 2,850 serves customers in 26 states, Canada, and Australia. Watco is one of the largest shortline railroad operators in the United States, serving more than 1,300 customers on 4,500 miles of track on 27 shortlines.  Watco is also the largest car-repair shop service provider in the United States and, additionally, provides contract switching, terminal, and port services.

Chief Executive Officer since 1998, Rick Webb'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 Dick Webb, founder of Watco. Rick held various management and leadership positions within Watco, including operations, purchasing, marketing, accounting, and financial management. 

An active participant in efforts to improve rail transportation for customers, Rick serves on the Board of Directors for both the Association of American Railroads and the National Industrial Transportation League.  He is also a vigorous supporter of his community and an advocate 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 US Bank's Market Board of Directors. He earned a BS in physics from Pittsburg State University.