advertisement

---

Yesterday, Watco Cos. L.L.C. announced it appointed Dave Turner senior vice president of business development-mechanical services and Andy Schaffer, SVP of mechanical services to succeed Turner, who now will be responsible for exploring new opportunities and acquisitions within the mechanical division.

Turner, who has more than 40 years of rail industry experience, joined Watco in 2007, when the company acquired Millennium Rail Inc. He previously worked with with rail-car builders such as ACF Shipper Car Line, Pullman Standard, National Steel Car, Thrall North American Rail Car, Ortner, Bethlehem Steel, Difco, Evans, Trinity Industries Inc. and Union Tank Car Co.

“Dave’s thorough understanding of a wide variety of car types, including box cars, auto-racks, covered hoppers, coal hoppers, gondolas and tank cars, makes him highly qualified to evaluate potential business for the mechanical division,” said Watco Executive VP of Support Services Gary Lundy in a personnel announcement.

Schaffer most recently was chief operating officer for the mechanical division. He now will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Watco Mechanical Services’ rail-car repair facilities. Schaffer previously held various positions at Rescar Cos., including VP of operations, director of technical support services, corporate manager of quality assurance and plant manager. He also served a stint as VP of technical support services for AllTranstek L.L.C.

Meanwhile, Patriot Rail Corp. named David Rohal vice president. He will report to Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Gary Marino.
 
Rohal, who has 27 years of rail industry management experience, most recently was SVP of strategic relations for RailAmerica Inc. He previously served RailAmerica as SVP and COO, and was president of Florida East Coast Railway. Rohal also held various positions at CSX Transportation and Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI), including VP of the southern region and VP of business services for GWI.