Jay Welch

Jay Welch has a diverse work experience spanning over several industries. Jay started their career as a parts counterman at Foley Implement Co. in 1983 and then worked at Lee Motor Company from 1985 to 1997, where they served as a Shop Forman and Electrical Specialist. At Lee Motor Company, they were responsible for training technicians in repair procedures for GM and Chrysler automobiles. In 1997, they joined the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway as a diesel mechanic and later trained as an electrician. Jay held the position of Chief Mechanical Officer at the railway until 2007. From 2007 to 2013, Jay worked for RailAmerica and the North Carolina & Virginia RR and Chesapeake & Albemarle RR as a Chief Mechanical Officer, overseeing the mechanical departments and a fleet of over 20 locomotives. In 2008, they joined the South Carolina Central & Carolina Piedmont RR as the Chief Mechanical Officer and held the position until 2013. Jay then worked as a Locomotive Specialist at Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company from 2013 to 2014. Currently, they are the Director of Locomotive Support at Watco Companies LLC, a position they have held since 2014.

Jay Welch attended Foley High School from 1979 to 1984, where they completed their high school education. Jay then pursued a degree in Diesel Mechanics and Heavy Equipment from Robertsdale Area Vocational Center, graduating as an Honor Graduate in 1984. In 1996, Jay attended Alabama Southern Community College to study Business Administration and Management. Jay furthered their education in Business Administration, Management and Operations at JCCC Center for Business and Technology in 2008. In 2011, they enrolled in the University of North Florida for Front Line Supervisor Training. Finally, in 2014, Jay studied Welding Engineering Technology/Technician at Montgomery County Community College.