Two from Watco Honored for Rail Industry Impact

For their roles with innovative technology solutions and in government relations, Watco team members Ailsa Nelson and Crystal Spurgeon have been named to Progressive Railroading’s list of Women of Influence in Rail list for 2026.

Nelson, an assistant vice president, leads government relations in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. She also plays an important role in federal government relations such as driving the 45G cosponsor effort and grant writing. Spurgeon is the director of business solutions for Real Estate. She has contributed extensively to several new software system initiatives, including OpenText, which helped put governance around executing service agreements; Watco’s geographic information system (REV); and RE-FX, a contract and billing solution for leases.

The women were notified in January of their honor. They expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“The railroad is full of remarkable people with powerful and often untold stories, and being recognized alongside so many inspiring women is an honor,” Nelson said. She said she didn’t take for granted her industry role helping to tell “so many amazing stories that deserve to be told” and that “being selected makes me even more honored to have this opportunity.”

Spurgeon said upon learning of her selection, she immediately wanted to tell family and friends. “It felt like a moment to celebrate and to express how grateful I am to be recognized at this level,” she said. “I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without the incredible people around me and the support and trust from leadership.”

Progressive Railroading is featuring honorees in the March issue and also celebrating them this month with a virtual event.