Watco Lands Two on ‘Women of Influence’ List

Progressive Railroading recently named its inaugural list of Women of Influence in Rail, and those honored include Watco’s Laura McNichol and Carla Ewing.

“Progressive Railroading looked for influence in leadership, mentorship, sustainability, and more,” said Watco Chief Executive Officer Dan Smith. “Carla and Laura fit the bill in multiple categories as far as their impact at Watco.”

Reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources show women historically are underrepresented in rail transportation. Women of Influence in Rail and similar recognition programs represent the possibilities for women in railroading and can be a source for inspiration, something each of Watco’s honorees underscored.

“Working with the Watco team has allowed me the opportunity to learn and grow through the years,” said Ewing, who’s been with Watco since 2008 and today serves as senior vice president of Service Assurance.

“I want to be able to provide those same opportunities to others within the industry.”

McNichol joined Watco 2017 after more than a decade in the industry. In her role as senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, she leads Watco’s government and industry relations and sustainability efforts.

“Perhaps recognitions like Women of Influence in Rail allow younger individuals to visualize what they could also achieve in our great industry,” she said. “For me, I recall reading about Judy Petry, who ultimately became the President of Farmrail, when she was on the cover of Progressive Railroading in 2009. I recall thinking how cool she was based on the profile written about Judy, even though I had never met her. As luck would have it, Judy became a really good friend and mentor for me.”

The Women of Influence in Rail will be featured in the March issue of Progressive Railroading magazine and honored during a virtual event in March.