Gulf & Ohio Railways promotes four execs

Gulf & Ohio Railways Inc. this week announced several recent promotions, including Doc Claussen to the position of vice chairman.

Claussen, who is taking a sabbatical from the Knoxville, Tenn.-based short-line holding company to pursue an MBA from the University of Tennessee, also serves as vice chairman of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, said Gulf & Ohio Chairman Pete Claussen in a press release.

Doc Claussen has been with the railroad for the past 10 years, following a career as a diagnostic and interventional radiologist.

Also receiving promotions are:
• Todd Burchette, who has been appointed president. Burchette has 26 years of experience in the railroad industry, nearly all of it with Gulf & Ohio. He began his career as a track laborer on the Yadkin Valley Railroad in North Carolina.
• Ronnie McKenzie, who has been appointed chief marketing officer. During his 28 years with the railroad, he has served in operating and marketing positions.
• Matt Gedney, who has been named chief business development officer. Gedney has served as head of industrial development program at Gulf & Ohio's Lancaster & Chester Railroad.