WASHINGTON — Edwin (Ed) McKechnie has been named as the 2025 winner of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s Schlosser Distinguished Service Award, the ASLRRA has announced.
Also on Wednesday (Feb. 5), Anacostia Rail Holdings announced Herman Crosson, its chief safety and compliance officer, has been named as the ASLRRA’s Safety Professional of the Year.
The awards will be presented at the ASLRRA’s annual conferencer and Exhibition, April 6-8 in Denver.
McKechnie had an extensive public-service career before becoming part of the short line industry, serving in the Kansas governor’s office, as a member of the Kansas Legislature, and as a congressional staff member in Washington. With short-line company Watco, he played a significant role in advancing the 45G short line tax credit, and the Short Line Safety Institute.
“Ed’s impact on the short line industry is legendary,” ASLRRA President Chuck Baker said in a press release. “His legislative and business career has been focused on driving transformational change in every organization he has been involved with.”
A more complete portrait of McKechnie and his contributions is available at the ASLRRA website, along with a list of past winners and a video on the history of the award, named for former ASLRRA Chairman Thomas L. Schlosser.
The Safety Professional of the Year award is open to any management-level employee of an ASLRRA member railroad who is responsible for safety programs, training, and overall management of safe behavior on the railroad.
Crosson, this year’s honoree, is a veteran of 26 years in the rail industry. He joined Anacostia in 2022.
“This is an honor that belongs to everyone in the Anacostia family,” Crosson said in a press release. “It is a privilege to lead the company’s strong team of professional railroaders. From new hires to our seasoned veterans, all are laser focused on the safety of their fellow workers, community, and shippers.” Said Anacostia Rail Holdings CEO Peter Gilbertson, ““We know Herman as someone who cares deeply about the safety of our team. He more than meets the criteria for this top industry safety award. This is a well-deserved recognition, and we are proud to have him on our team.”
More on the Safety Professional of the Year award is available here.
