Claude Edward Elkins Jr., widely known as Ed Elkins, is an inspiring example of how determination, perseverance, and strategic leadership can elevate an individual from entry‑level railroad operations to the highest ranks of corporate leadership at one of America’s largest transportation companies. His journey—from the rails of Southwest Virginia to becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation—is a testament to the power of hard work backed by education, adaptability, and commitment to both people and performance.
In this comprehensive profile, we go beyond the textbook biography to explore every facet of his life: early roots, military influence, career progression, leadership philosophy, community impact, and lasting legacy.
Early Life and Upbringing
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. was raised in Southwest Virginia, a region with deep railroading traditions and a culture of perseverance and hard work. This Appalachian upbringing rooted him in values such as discipline, resilience, and personal responsibility—traits that would later define his work ethic and leadership style.
In a community shaped by challenging labor markets and industrial environments where success was measured by effort rather than status, Elkins learned early that commitment and integrity matter more than prestige. These formative years laid the groundwork for his approach to people, leadership, and business.
Childhood in Southwest Virginia
Growing up in an area where railroads were central to everyday life helped Claude develop an early interest and respect for the transportation sector. Instead of focusing solely on academic or corporate aspirations, he embraced the dignity of hands‑on labor—a quality that would later make him an empathetic leader who understood operations from the ground up.
Family Values and Community Influence
Deeply connected to family and community, Elkins was taught that reliability, honesty, and service to others are indispensable. These values shaped how he interacted with peers, colleagues, and subordinates throughout his life, fostering trust and respect in every organization he joined.
Education: The Foundation of Leadership
Education played a pivotal role in Elkins’ evolution from railroad worker to executive leader. Though his academic path may appear unconventional for corporate leadership, it equipped him with critical skills that enhanced his strategic thinking and communication ability.
Undergraduate Studies in English
Elkins earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. While an English degree may seem unrelated to railroads or business at first glance, it helped sharpen his skills in communication, critical reasoning, and problem‑solving—all invaluable traits for a leader responsible for articulating strategy, motivating teams, and building customer relationships.
MBA in Port & Maritime Economics
Recognizing the importance of blending operational knowledge with business strategy, Elkins continued his education by earning an MBA with a concentration in Port and Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University. This graduate training gave him a deeper understanding of logistics, transportation economics, international trade, and supply chain management—knowledge that would prove pivotal in commercial roles later in his career.
Lifelong Learning and Professional Development
In addition to his formal degrees, Elkins pursued executive education from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School and University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, continually honing his leadership and strategic decision‑making skills.
Military Service and Discipline
Before entering the railroad industry, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. served in the United States Marine Corps—an experience that instilled discipline, resilience, and leadership under pressure. The Marine Corps is known for its demanding training and emphasis on mental and physical toughness. These qualities helped Elkins develop confidence, decisiveness, and the ability to perform under stressful conditions, traits that later became hallmarks of his leadership style.
His military background taught him to value teamwork, structure, and leadership by example—all principles that he carried forward into his professional life at Norfolk Southern, where strategic thinking and operational reliability are essential.
Career Journey: From Rails to Executive Leadership
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s professional journey is a blueprint for how dedication and strategic development can propel a career from the shop floor to the boardroom. His decades‑long tenure at Norfolk Southern Corporation—one of the premier Class I railroads in the United States—illustrates how operational experience combined with commercial insight can create powerful executive leadership.
Starting as a Brakeman
Elkins began his career with Norfolk Southern in 1988 as a Road Brakeman, one of the most physically demanding and detail‑oriented jobs in the railroad industry. Brakemen are responsible for coupling and uncoupling railcars, securing loads, and ensuring that trains operate safely and efficiently.
This start provided him with the kind of operational foundation few executives ever experience. He learned the technical aspects of railroad logistics as well as practical insights into workforce challenges—knowledge that would later inform his empathy and decision‑making as a leader.
Advancing Through Operational Roles
From brakeman, Elkins progressed to roles including Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, and Relief Yardmaster. These promotions weren’t just career milestones; they represented deeper immersion in railroad operations, laying a solid foundation of credibility among the company’s workforce.
Each role built his understanding of train scheduling, safety protocols, crew coordination, and operational troubleshooting—competencies that would profoundly influence his later commercial and strategic decisions.
Transition to Marketing and Commercial Leadership
While many leaders rise solely through operational ranks or business schools, Elkins’ shift into Intermodal Marketing represented a strategic pivot. Intermodal services connect rail, truck, and sea shipping into integrated logistics solutions—a rapidly growing and competitive sector in freight transportation.
Over nearly two decades in marketing roles, Elkins built strong relationships with customers, expanded service offerings, and proved his ability to blend operational acumen with commercial strategy, significantly strengthening Norfolk Southern’s market presence.
In 2016, he was appointed Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, overseeing transportation of hazardous and high‑priority materials. This role demanded advanced logistics planning, regulatory compliance knowledge, and customer trust—all areas where his background gave him an edge.
By 2018, he was Vice President of Industrial Products, managing freight segments such as metals, construction materials, and consumer goods. These divisions are essential to the U.S. economy and require deep coordination between operations, marketing, and customer service functions.
Executive Role: Chief Commercial Officer
In December 2021, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. rose to the top tiers of Norfolk Southern leadership when he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer—a role that places him at the intersection of strategy, customer solutions, and revenue growth.
In this capacity, he oversees major business units, including:
- Intermodal
- Automotive
- Industrial Products
- Real Estate and Industrial Development
- Short Line Marketing
- Field Sales
- Customer Logistics
Under his leadership, Norfolk Southern operates one of the most comprehensive freight networks in the Eastern United States, delivering more than 7 million carloads annually and connecting customers to over 54 inland, lake, river, and sea ports across the nation.
His strategic agenda revolves around strengthening customer relationships, improving operational reliability, expanding rail network solutions, and positioning Norfolk Southern as a leader in sustainable transportation.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Elkins’ approach to leadership sets him apart from many corporate executives because it blends hands‑on operational experience with strategic commercial vision.
Ground‑Level Operational Insight
Having worked on the front lines, Elkins understands railroad operations from the ground up—an advantage when making strategic decisions that affect every level of the organization. His ability to empathize with crews, engineers, and logistics teams creates trust and enhances collaboration across diverse functions.
Customer‑Centric Strategy
Elkins emphasizes customer satisfaction and reliability in all commercial operations. He has championed enhancements such as real‑time service notifications, improved Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) systems, and customer advisory initiatives that help Norfolk Southern tailor services to evolving shipper needs.
Adaptability and Innovation
Understanding that the freight industry is rapidly evolving—through technological disruption, supply chain shifts, and competitive pressures—Elkins drives innovation that blends traditional rail strengths with future‑oriented practices. His vision includes integrating predictive analytics, intelligent logistics systems, and AI‑powered tools into everyday operations.
Major Contributions and Impact
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s influence at Norfolk Southern resonates across multiple dimensions—from sustainability to commercial growth and operational excellence.
Operational Efficiency and Growth
Under his leadership, Norfolk Southern has made measurable progress in system speed improvements, enhanced car and locomotive productivity, and sustained industrial project support that contributes billions in private investment.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Norfolk Southern, under Elkins’ commercial leadership, helps customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of carbon emissions annually by shifting freight from truck to rail—a more environmentally efficient model of goods movement.
Safety, Reliability, and Innovation
Elkins has supported adoption of advanced technologies, including AI‑enabled inspections and predictive maintenance tools, to improve safety and reduce operational risks.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Beyond corporate responsibilities, Elkins invests time and expertise in organizations that extend his impact into community development and industry advocacy.
He serves as Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, where he was recently announced to become Chair in 2025, reflecting his commitment to business leadership and economic growth at the state level.
Additionally, he sits on the boards of:
- National Association of Manufacturers
- TTX Company
- East Lake Foundation
- Georgia State University Marketing RoundTable
- The Conference Board’s Council for CMOs
Through these positions, Elkins champions workforce development, industry standards, education, and community partnerships that strengthen broader economic ecosystems.
Personal Life and Legacy
While much of his life has been defined by his career and impact on the rail industry, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is also known for his personal values—rooted in humility, service, and integrity.
Friends, colleagues, and community members describe him as approachable yet strategic—someone who leads by example and builds lasting relationships. His leadership extends beyond corporate success to shaping the lives of those who have worked with him and those who have benefited from his mentorship and advocacy.
Lessons from Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s Journey
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s career offers timeless lessons that resonate beyond the railroad industry:
Perseverance and Hard Work
From the demanding physical labor of railroad operations to the strategic responsibilities of corporate leadership, Elkins’ journey underscores that success is earned through sustained effort and resilience.
The Power of Education
His academic path—beginning with English and culminating in specialized business training—demonstrates how a strong intellectual foundation enhances leadership capability, especially when blended with real‑world experience.
Leadership with Empathy and Vision
Elkins’ ability to blend operational empathy with strategic foresight illustrates the importance of connecting people with purpose, performance with principles, and growth with responsibility.
Conclusion
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s life story—from the railroad tracks of Southwest Virginia to the executive suite of one of America’s largest transportation companies—stands as a compelling example of leadership forged through experience, education, and integrity. His impact reverberates across Norfolk Southern, the broader transportation industry, and the communities he serves.
As a leader, mentor, and community advocate, Elkins embodies the idea that true success is not merely defined by titles or revenue but by meaningful influence and enduring legacy.
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