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The Washington Companies announced today the appointment of Frank Butzelaar as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective May 17, 2021. In this new position, Mr. Butzelaar remains based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and will provide oversight of key transportation companies Montana Rail Link, Seaspan Marine Transportation, and Southern Railway of British Columbia. He will also participate in the Executive Committee of the Washington Companies.
“We are excited to leverage Frank’s experience in a broader role at the Washington Companies,” said Washington Companies President and CEO Larry Simkins. “His record of insightful leadership and strategy speaks volumes about his understanding of both people and operational functions.”
Mr. Butzelaar commented, “I am thrilled with this new opportunity within the Washington Companies. During my 28 years in the transportation sector, ever-advancing technology has transformed our typical workday, but our commitment to customer service and continuous improvement will remain the key to our success. I look forward to putting my experience to work leading this exceptional portfolio of rail and marine companies and the many talented people responsible for their success.”
Following Mr. Butzelaar’s new appointment, Seaspan Marine Transportation welcomes Ian McIver as its President and Gord Miller as Chief Operating Officer.
Mr. Butzelaar serves as a Director on the Royal Columbia Hospital Foundation Board and the Business Council of British Columbia Board. He is also a former Director on the Railway Association of Canada Board and former member of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Shortline Caucus.
We look forward to Frank’s continued leadership within the Washington Companies and also in the greater Vancouver community.
About Frank Butzelaar:
Prior to his past four years as CEO of Seaspan Marine Transportation, Mr. Butzelaar spent nine years as President and CEO of Southern Railway of British Columbia Limited (SRY). Upon graduation from Simon Fraser University (BA-Economics), he began his transportation career in 1993 with SRY. Following 14 years in roles of increasing responsibility and achievement, he was promoted in 2006 to Executive Vice President of SRY, and President and CEO in January 2008.
About The Washington Companies
The Washington Companies are a group of privately held companies headquartered throughout the United States and western Canada and conducting business internationally. Holdings include Montana Resources, Montana Rail Link, Seaspan Marine Transportation and Shipyards, Southern Railway, Modern Machinery, and Envirocon, with annual revenues in excess of $2 billion. Our customer focus to reliably deliver commodities, ships, transportation, service, equipment, and technology, as the safe, low cost operator earns us the reputation as a desired counterparty.
With over a half century of experience in our focus industries, the Washington Companies have established a reputation on fulfilling their founding principles of integrity, performance, passion and vision. As part of giving back within our local communities, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation gives a boost to local charities in the communities where our employees live and work, and also supports several prestigious national programs aligned with its core giving categories.