After More than Three Decades, Indiana SLD Prepares to Retire

April 2, 2026

Home>News>Front Page>After More than Three Decades, Indiana SLD Prepares to Retire

With 36 years of service and dedication to the railroad and SMART-TD behind him, Indiana State Safety & Legislative Director Kenny (KO) Edwards will officially retire next Friday, April 10, 2026.

“It’s been a pleasure to serve the membership,” KO told SMART News. “Everything we accomplished was for the membership. I hope that’s how they feel. They always deserved the effort.”

His tireless work was even recognized by the Indiana General Assembly during this year’s legislative session. State Representatives Mitch Gore and Chris Campbell presented KO with a House Resolution honoring his retirement and thanking him for his many years of service to the state’s working families.

Indiana SLD Kenny (KO) Edwards (center) is presented with a resolution commemorating his retirement by Indiana State Representatives Chris Campbell and Mitch Gore (left). He was joined by Assistant Indiana SLD Andy McKeeman (second from right) and his father, Kenneth (KR) Edwards.

A fifth-generation railroader himself, KO understands what life on the rails is really like, because he’s experienced it firsthand.

“I understand the sacrifices our members make because of the railroad,” he explained. “That was the motivation to work as hard as we could for our fellow Brothers and Sisters.”

SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson praised KO for his decades of leadership and legislative advocacy, including the recently passed train crew privacy protections bill.

“KO knows what it takes to successfully guide a bill through the legislative process and ensure that the priorities of transportation workers in his home state actually become law,” he said. “He is an example of what tenacity, dedication, and heart look like, and I’m grateful for his many contributions to our union. I will miss him but wish him an enjoyable, well-deserved retirement!”

National Safety & Legislative Director Jared Cassity echoed those remarks.

“If you need to get something done, KO’s your man,” he said. “Coming from the craft himself, he gets what our members experience every day and fights to ensure their voices are heard loud and clear. He is the epitome of what a state legislative director should be, and I can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done.”

Celebration scheduled for April 10

A retirement celebration honoring KO is scheduled for next Friday, April 10 from 5-9 p.m. at the Indianapolis Professional Firefighters (IAFF Local 416, 748 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis). Gifts are not necessary, but your presence is more than welcome.

As he prepares to start a new chapter, KO praised Assistant Safety & Legislative Director Andy McKeeman, who will become the new SLD after April 10.

“Brother Andy is more than ready for the job. He’s a sharp, seasoned railroader, and I’m proud to have had the opportunity to serve alongside him. Our Brothers and Sisters are in good hands, and I know he’ll do a great job,” KO emphasized.

As for the legacy KO’s leaving behind with SMART-TD?

“Legacies are like railroad nicknames,” he said. “Others decide what that will be.  You don’t get to choose your own.”