Three key leaders at Martin Resource Management are retiring this week after accruing more 120 combined years of service at the Kilgore cornerstone company.
The trio will be feted in a private reception for MRMC employees Thursday afternoon at Kilgore’s Texan Theater.
Karen and Matt Yost actually met and married during their four decades of work with the company, and fellow long-term employee Johnnie Murray has put in almost 40 years here as well, according to Katie Herrington, executive assistant to corporate administration and corporate travel coordinator.
“That’s an impressive thing that you’ve got three people that have worked there over 40 years in very important roles,” Herrington said. “And, the best three people you’d ever want to meet.”
Murray retires as Senior Vice President of Land Transportation at Martin Midstream, clocking 49 years in the industry overall, 38 of them with Martin.
“Throughout his tenure, Johnnie built more than just a division—he built a culture of reliability, accountability, and performance that continues to drive our land transportation business today,” according to Martin Midstream Partners. “His impact extends far beyond operations, with meaningful contributions to industry organizations such as the American Trucking Associations, National Tank Truck Carriers, and multiple state trucking associations.”
Matt Yost joined MRMC in 1982 as a project engineer and has held multiple leadership positions, retiring as Senior Vice President of Terminalling & Engineering.
“Known for his deep technical expertise, steady leadership, and commitment to operational excellence, Matt has played a vital role in shaping our terminalling and engineering capabilities,” MRMC announced. “His impact can be seen not only in the infrastructure and systems he helped build, but in the teams he mentored and the standards he set.”
It was the late R.S. Martin II who ultimately played matchmaker between Matt and Karen Yost after the latter joined the company in 1985 as Tax Manager. In 2007, she was promoted to Vice President of Taxation.
“Throughout her career, Karen has been known not only for her deep knowledge and professionalism, but for the steady leadership and trust she brought to every aspect of her work,” MRMC praised. “Her contributions have left a lasting mark on Martin, and her legacy will continue to influence our team for years to come.”
Karen worked hours and hours into the night every tax season, Herrington said. Meanwhile, she eventually warmed to the Razorback fandom alongside her husband.
“They had three kids, and they worked all these years together,” Herrington noted. Three employees with four decades each is noteworthy, she added: “You just don’t hear very much of people working at a place for that long.”
Herrington also works alongside her husband, Joel, at the company.
“We’re like a family,” she said, and the MRMC clan is cheering the leadership trio out on their retirement: “We’re so happy for them. They deserve it.
“They’re all awesome people.”
Founded by Ruben S. Martin Sr. in 1951, MRMC is currently led by President Ruben S. Martin III. MRMC’s management team includes CEO Bob Bondurant, COO Randy Tauscher and CFO Sharon Taylor, as well.
From Martin Midstream Partners L.P.:
JOHNNIE MURRAY, Senior Vice President of Land Transportation
After an incredible career spanning nearly five decades, we are proud to celebrate the retirement of Johnnie Murry, Senior Vice President of Land Transportation at Martin Midstream.
Johnnie’s 49-year career in the industry—including 38 years with the Martin companies—has been defined by leadership, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the people and teams he served. He joined the Martin family in 1988 and later took on leadership of Martin Transport, where he oversaw the entire trucking operation and played a pivotal role in its growth and success.
Throughout his tenure, Johnnie built more than just a division—he built a culture of reliability, accountability, and performance that continues to drive our land transportation business today. His impact extends far beyond operations, with meaningful contributions to industry organizations such as the American Trucking Associations, National Tank Truck Carriers, and multiple state trucking associations.
Johnnie’s leadership, experience, and steady presence have left a lasting mark on Martin, and he will be deeply missed by colleagues across the organization.
Please join us in thanking Johnnie for his extraordinary career and wishing him all the best in his well-earned retirement.
MATT YOST, Senior Vice President of Terminalling & Engineering
After more than four decades of leadership, innovation, and dedication, we are proud to celebrate the retirement of Matt Yost, Senior Vice President of Terminalling and Engineering at Martin Midstream.
Matt joined Martin Resource Management Corporation in 1982 as a project engineer and has been instrumental in the company’s growth ever since. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles, including General Manager of Terminalling and Vice President of Terminalling, before stepping into his current role in 2010.
Known for his deep technical expertise, steady leadership, and commitment to operational excellence, Matt has played a vital role in shaping our terminalling and engineering capabilities. His impact can be seen not only in the infrastructure and systems he helped build, but in the teams he mentored and the standards he set.
Before joining Martin, Matt served as a process engineer for Longview Refining Company, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas.
Please join us in thanking Matt for his incredible career and lasting contributions to Martin. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement and the exciting chapter ahead.
KAREN YOST, Vice President of Taxation
After four decades of dedication, leadership, and impact, we are proud to celebrate the retirement of Karen Yost, Vice President of Taxation at Martin Midstream.
Karen joined Martin Resource Management Corporation in 1985 as Tax Manager and has played an instrumental role in shaping the financial integrity and strategic direction of our organization ever since. In 2007, she was named Vice President of Taxation, where she continued to lead with precision, expertise, and unwavering commitment.
Throughout her career, Karen has been known not only for her deep knowledge and professionalism, but for the steady leadership and trust she brought to every aspect of her work. Her contributions have left a lasting mark on Martin, and her legacy will continue to influence our team for years to come.
Karen’s career began in public accounting, including time with Peat Marwick, Mitchell and Co. and as a Senior Tax Manager at Jamieson, Byrd & Thomas, CPAs. She is a proud graduate of Louisiana Tech University and a Certified Public Accountant in both Texas and Louisiana.
Please join us in congratulating Karen on an incredible career and wishing her all the best in this next chapter. Thank you, Karen, for your years of service, leadership, and dedication to Martin.
