Colby Tanner
Group Vice President, Industrial Products
BNSF Work History
Colby Tanner was appointed group vice president, Industrial Products in 2021. In this role, Colby has sales and marketing responsibilities for the carload segment, including chemicals, crude oil and petroleum products, coal, building products, construction products, beverages, perishables and canned goods. Colby is also responsible for Economic Development and Corporate Real Estate, developing and leading programs that encourage rail-oriented industries to locate or expand their facilities on BNSF.
Colby previously served as BNSF’s assistant vice president, Economic Development, Corporate Real Estate and Facilities.
Prior to joining BNSF, Colby helped lead strategic real estate capacity initiatives at various divisions of Wal-Mart Stores, serving most recently as senior director, Real Estate, at Sam’s Club. Colby’s previous experience included managing business development projects for Carter & Burgess Inc. and the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Throughout his career, he has led teams that developed over 35 million square feet of industrial and commercial space in the United States.
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Communication, University of Missouri
- Master of Arts in Business Communication, Missouri State University
Affiliations/Community Involvement
- Board Member, Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE)
- Member, Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate (FWSSS)
- Advisory Board, Department of Communication, University of Missouri
- National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Sponsors Board of Directors
Family/Hobbies
- Colby is married to his high school sweetheart, Kelly. They have two boys, Kannon and Kolt.
- In his spare time, Colby enjoys hunting, fishing and traveling with his family.
BNSF
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve.
