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Watco Transportation Services L.L.C. has named Rik Rainville vice president of corporate railcar services, and Keith Barksdale, assistant VP of transportation safety.

Most recently AVP of of corporate railcar services, Rainville will be responsible for all rail-car repair activities on Watco properties. He also will be charged with establishing performance metrics for regional management teams.

Rainville joined Watco in 2007 as director of locomotive support. He previously held various management positions with BNSF Railway Co. and several short lines.

Barksdale most recently was director of operations for Watco's Gulf Region. He will serve as the region's interim director of operations until Watco fills the position. As AVP of transportation safety, Barksdale will be responsible for ensuring safety initiatives are carried out at the field level and rule compliance is met.

"This safety position follows our overall strategy of having a dedicated safety management team leading from the field level and mentoring our managers," said Michael Gibson, Watco's VP of transportation safety, in a personnel announcement.

Since he joined Watco, Barksdale also has served stints as general manager of the Timber Rock Railroad and assistant chief operating officer for the Gulf Region. He previously served RailAmerica Inc., holding various positions at properties in New England, Indiana and California.