Mississippi Export Railroad promotes Luce to CEO

Mississippi Export Railroad (MSE) has named Kate Luce president and chief executive officer.

At 29, Luce is believed to be the youngest female CEO in the railroad industry, according to an MSE press release.

Luce began her tenure at MSE in customer service. She worked her way through the ranks of the transportation department, training as a conductor and serving as trainmaster. Eventually, she managed the department.

"Kate has been key to the long-term succession plan of MSE for several years. She has a strong history of achievement in all her endeavors and I have complete confidence that she will be equally as capable as CEO," said MSE Board Member Jim Bridges. "Her leadership skills combined with a drive to create and recognize new opportunities will assuredly increase our shareholders' value."

Luce left MSE for a time to gain additional business experience. She worked for GE Transportation under the Experienced Commercial Leadership program and as a consultant with Bain & Co. in Atlanta. She returned to MSE as chief operating officer in 2016.

"We are at a turning point in the rail industry," said Luce. "I'm most excited about the focus on determining the product and service mix of the future in rail and finding new ways to better serve the customer."

Luce earned a bachelor's degree in supply chain management from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.

MSE is a 42-mile short line that extends from Evanston to Pascagoula, Miss. It's the north-south corridor connecting CN and the east-west line of CSX. The short line also connects to Norfolk Southern Railway and Kansas City Southern through haulage agreements.