Short lines: Watco installs Smith as COO; Tacoma Rail reaches century mark

Watco Cos. L.L.C. has named Dan Smith executive vice president and chief operating officer.

He will be responsible for the operational performance, organizational development and process improvements of Watco’s operating divisions.

Since joining Watco in 2009, Smith has served as president of Watco Terminal and Port Services, senior VP of the Greens Port Industrial Park and VP of real estate. He previously played major league baseball for 14 years, pitching for the Texas Rangers, Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Washington Nationals.

Meanwhile, Tacoma Rail will hold its annual open house on Aug. 23 in Tacoma, Wash. During the event, the short line plans to mark its 100th anniversary.

The event will include train rides, a large model railroad display and a sale of railroad-related items.

Managed by Tacoma Public Utilities, Tacoma Rail has provided service as a public entity since 1914. The short line operates about 200 miles of track and provides freight connections for customers in the greater Tacoma and Olympia, Wash., area. Tacoma Rail has 100 employees and and handles about 165,000 carloads annually.