Our Team
“Great Leaders create more Leaders: Good leaders have vision and inspire others to help them turn vision into reality. Great Leaders create more leaders, not followers. Great Leaders have vision, share vision, and inspire others to create their own vision.”
Donald Purdie (left) with Washington State Representative Andrew Barkis
Donald K. Purdie, President
Donald inspires and sets the vision, goals, and directives for EWG, directing and monitoring the day-to-day operations of EWG. Donald cut his teeth railroading in the south on the Southern Railway and Norfolk Southern Corp. During his over 40-year tenure in administrative, operations, and mechanical positions with the Southern, and Norfolk Southern, Donald amassed tremendous experience and acumen in railroad operations and the business of running a railroad. Donald has a demonstrated and proven record in operating the EWG efficiently and effectively, ensuring that EWG's customers receive consistent service, par excellence. Donald believes in the viability of the CW Branch and Geiger Spur, and is thoroughly committed to realizing this goal through innovation, diversification, and unparalleled customer service. Notable pinnacles of Donald's railroading career to-date was the oversight and successful execution of the track rehabilitation project of the 2-mile long, 33-track Columbia, SC rail yard handling up to 500 cars daily. Along with his Father, Donald was instrumental in the rehabilitation project of the N&W 611 steam locomotive. Donald later became Chief Dispatcher of the Pocahontas Division, which, at the time, was the busiest in the Norfolk Southern system. Donald has also owned three successful small business enterprises including a data management and software/IT development company.
Gary checking locomotive lube oil level at Davenport
Gary Durr, Trainmaster
Gary joined the EWG Team in 2016, after a successful career with Freightliner Trucks to become a railroader. Gary has successfully applied his leadership and planning skills to his new career the EWG as Trainmaster. He is also a qualified Train Conductor and Locomotive Engineer. Gary's duties include train crew efficiency testing, crew scheduling, customer interaction, among other administrative functions that include train dispatching, and FRA compliance reporting.
Bill (hard hat) with Washington State Senators and Representatives, and Paul Katovich, CEO, Highline Grain (left)
Bill Wolff, Maintenance of Way Director
Formerly with BNSF's Maintenance of Way department, Bill has the experience to effectively manage and direct the formidable task of track maintenance and rehabilitation projects and programs in conjunction with WSDOT. Bill is responsible for submitting FRA compliance as well as inspection and repair reports for remedial action. He is also in charge of material management, accounting, and utilization of WSDOT provided materials.
Frederick (right) working with Engineer Ted Curphey
Frederick Simon, Corporate Marketing & Media
Frederick is boots-on-the-ground in all matters involving corporate marketing and media relations. He is primarily responsible for ensuring that our valued customers receive the highest level of service which includes understanding every customer's needs: present and future. With decades of experience domestic and international sales primarily in railroad markets, Frederick brings his vast knowledge to bear in pursuing business opportunities through creative approaches while maintaining the customer's needs paramount. He believes that diversification of the commodity base of the railroad is essential to the long-term success of the EWG and CW Branch. Frederick is also a Certified Train Conductor and Locomotive Engineer.
SMS welder installs new gates on covered hopper.
Seaboard Mobile Services, Railcar Repair
Owned and operated by Mr. Shawn Francis, SMS is EWG's mobile FRA certified railcar repair sub-contractor. SMS maintains EWG's fleet of covered hoppers. Through this strategic partnership with EWG, SMS provides railcar repair services throughout the Inland Northwest.
Jeff repairing a locomotive foot step at Davenport
Jeff Wall, Chief Signal Maintainer & Mechanical Officer
Jeff has been a part of the EWG team since 2010. His duties include performing routine inspections on signals to ensure they are in FRA mandated working order. He is responsible for keeping our signals in good repair and performing routine FRA/UTC inspections and reporting to ensure the railroad is operating at the highest level of the company and public safety. Jeff is also tasked with maintaining EWG’s locomotive fleet which includes periodic FRA inspections. Jeff is a qualified Locomotive Engineer and Train Conductor.
Luke thermite welding a crossing activation bond wire at Medical Lake
Luke Hoene, Administrative Assistant, Savings Analyst & Assistant Signal Maintainer/CMO
Luke joined EWG five years ago and has quickly applied his skills to various departments within EWG. Luke is the local office manager and records custodian which includes FRA and UTC compliance reporting, savings analyst, employee payroll manager, and drug & alcohol testing program manager. He is also a Certified Train Conductor. As Assistant Signal Maintainer/CMO, Luke works closely with Jeff to keep EWG's safety systems and locomotives in good working order.
“There are very few men - and they are the exceptions - who can think and feel beyond the present moment.”