High Profile: Palmetto Railways, Port of New Orleans/NOPB
Marybeth Luczak — Railway Age
At Palmetto Railways, Patrick McCrory will succeed Jeffrey McWhorter, who is retiring after 37 years with the South Carolina short line.
McCrory currently serves as Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. Before joining Palmetto Railways in 2013, he held management roles at CSX Intermodal Terminals and APM Terminals. McCrory is a nine-year veteran of the United States Navy Reserve serving as a Strategic Sealift Officer.
“Patrick’s executive leadership service with Palmetto Railways, coupled with extensive rail transportation and logistics experience throughout his career, has prepared him to lead one of South Carolina’s oldest rail providers,” South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said. “Separately, we’re deeply grateful for Jeff’s service to Palmetto Railways, maintaining a track record of success and aligning the organization and our state for long-term success in rail transit.”
McWhorter started at Palmetto Railways as a part-time switchman on the extra board, and rose through the ranks to President and CEO in 2007.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead the Palmetto Railways team after learning from and working alongside Jeff for nearly a decade,” McCrory said. “During my time here, Palmetto Railways’ and South Carolina’s freight rail infrastructure and volumes have continued to grow, with an increasing emphasis on the importance of safety, economic development, and efficient and reliable rail service.”
