Travis Herod, MSP
Oneonta,AL
Summary
Dynamic railroad, logistics, and safety leader with extensive experience in railroad operations, team member training, corporate safety management, injury and incident investigation, and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to cultivate a culture of safety and champion safety initiatives, ensuring compliance with DOT, FRA, MSHA, and OSHA regulations.
Excellent written and oral presentation skills with extensive experience presenting to groups.
Strong balance of railroad safety and operations experience, coupled with contemporary workplace safety certifications.
Recognized as the 2020 ASLRRA Safety Professional of the Year
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
SVP Environmental Health and Safety
Watco
Birmingham, Alabama
08.2014 - 12.2025
- Oversaw development and execution of company-wide policies and procedures.
- Championed safety initiatives to promote a culture of workplace safety and compliance.
- Managed incident investigation and reporting, regulatory compliance for DOT, FRA, MSHA, OSHA programs, and FRA regulatory programs
- Maintained and updated safety and operating rules in accordance with regulatory changes and industry best practices.
- Supported industry safety through participation in FRA RSAC, ASLRRA Safety and Training, AAR Safety, and General Code of Operating Rules Committees.
DSLE, Safety manager, Safety Director, VP Safety
Watco
Oklahoma City, OK
10.2004 - 08.2014
- FRA certified locomotive engineer, conductor. Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers.
- led training initiatives on safety procedures and emergency response programs, railroad operating and safety rules and federal regulations. Facilitated classroom and field training for multiple crafts, developed learning materials using contemporary adult learning training methods.
- Coordinated with management to implement safety improvement initiatives.
- Audited workplace conditions to ensure a safe environment for employees.
- Reviewed incident reports and statistics, investigated root causes of accidents or injuries.
General Manager, Divisional Superintendent
American Railroads Corporation
Brady, TX
08.2002 - 10.2004
- Oversaw daily operations and ensured compliance with safety regulations at Class 3 Shortlines.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, train movements, customer service and sales.
Freight Conductor, Locomotive Engineer
CSX Transportation
Savannah , GA
03.2000 - 08.2002
- Performed all duties of a freight conductor and locomotive engineer, Florence and Jacksonville divisions. Inspected freight cars and locomotives for safety and ensured safe train operations in road and yard service.
- Trained junior conductors on safety and operating rules.
Enlisted Aviator, Aviation Fuels Specialist
United States Air Force, Air National Guard
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
07.1992 - 02.2014
- Active Duty USAF C-130 Loadmaster 1992-2000. Served as aircrew on tactical and airlift missions in support of USAF worldwide operations for Military Airlift Command
- Joint Airdrop Inspector (Quality Assurance), JAI instructor
- Air National Guard Petroleum Specialist 2000-2014. Bulk fuels storage, transfer, and delivery, aviation fuels, and cryogenics laboratory supervisor.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Railroad Conductor Certificate Program
Clayton College And State University
Morrow GA02-2000
Skills
- Railroad operations
- Safety management
- Incident investigation
- Safety training facilitation
- Training content development
Affiliations
American Shortline and Regional railroad Association-Safety and Training Committee member. Served as voting member, Recording Secretary, Vice Chairman
Certification
Master Safety Professional (MSP) National Association of Safety Professionals
Timeline
SVP Environmental Health and Safety
Watco
08.2014 - 12.2025
DSLE, Safety manager, Safety Director, VP Safety
Watco
10.2004 - 08.2014
General Manager, Divisional Superintendent
American Railroads Corporation
08.2002 - 10.2004
Freight Conductor, Locomotive Engineer
CSX Transportation
03.2000 - 08.2002
Enlisted Aviator, Aviation Fuels Specialist
United States Air Force, Air National Guard
07.1992 - 02.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Railroad Conductor Certificate Program
Clayton College And State University