Ed McKechnie
Chief Commercial Officer
Watco Companies

Ed McKechnie serves as Chief Commercial Officer for Watco Companies, a short line railroad holding company located in Pittsburg, Kansas. Ed leads the business development, communications and government affairs divisions of the company.

Since joining Watco in May of 2000, Ed has become active in the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) and in 2003 was elected by his rail colleagues to chair the ASLRRA’s Legislative Policy Committee. From that position Ed led the legislative effort that passed the short line tax credit providing $3,500 in annual tax credits for each mile of track a short line maintains. Ed also serves on the ASLRRA executive committee.

Prior to joining the Watco team in May of 2000, Ed served as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives for 10 years. Elected five times, Ed served on numerous committees including transportation, appropriations and the joint committee on Legislative Post Audit, the investigative arm of the Legislature.

McKechnie also served on the personal staff for Governor John Carlin and U.S. Congressman Dan Glickman in Washington, D.C. Ed is also the Secretary/Treasurer of the Kansas Bio Science Authority. He and his wife Kristy, live in rural Crawford County, Kansas with their two boys, Austin and Jackson.