Claude Edward Elkins Jr: From Humble Railroad Beginnings to Executive Leadership – The Inspiring Rise and Challenges of a Rail Industry Leader
An inspiring journey from the rail yard to the boardroom, Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s career blends operational grit with strategic vision.
Introduction
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s career is a testament to determination, adaptability, and strategic leadership. Rising from the entry-level role of Road Brakeman to becoming the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern, his journey reflects both the opportunities and challenges in the modern transportation industry. With decades of experience, Elkins has shaped marketing, logistics, and operational strategies in one of America’s most vital sectors. While his career is filled with accomplishments, it has also faced the realities of navigating a rapidly changing rail environment.
| Full Name | Claude Edward “Ed” Elkins Jr |
|---|---|
| Role | Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Norfolk Southern |
| Year of Birth | 1966 |
| Age (2025) | ~59 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | BA in English (University of Virginia’s College at Wise), MBA in Port & Maritime Economics (Old Dominion University) |
| Early Career | United States Marine Corps → Road Brakeman (1988) |
| Years at Norfolk Southern | 35+ |
| Key Divisions Overseen | Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Field Sales, Customer Logistics |
| Board Roles | Georgia Chamber of Commerce (Vice Chair), East Lake Foundation, National Association of Manufacturers, TTX Company, Georgia State University Marketing RoundTable |
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Claude Edward Elkins Jr grew up in Southwest Virginia, an environment deeply connected to the working-class values of resilience and hard work. His early life was shaped by discipline and service, a path that led him to the United States Marine Corps before entering the private sector. This military background instilled in him a sense of leadership, structure, and commitment that would later influence his corporate strategies.
His educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, equipping him with strong communication skills essential for leadership roles. He furthered his education with an MBA from Old Dominion University, specializing in Port & Maritime Economics, which provided him with an in-depth understanding of transportation, logistics, and trade networks.
Career Beginnings in Railroad Operations
Elkins’ professional journey with Norfolk Southern began in 1988 as a Road Brakeman, a position that required physical endurance, operational precision, and teamwork. From these early years, he gained a deep appreciation for the complexities of railway operations and the importance of frontline employees.
He quickly advanced to other operational roles, including Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, and Relief Yardmaster. Each position added to his hands-on experience, allowing him to understand the business from the ground up. This operational expertise later became a cornerstone of his leadership style, ensuring that strategic decisions were grounded in real-world knowledge.
Transition to Marketing and Commercial Leadership
After years in operations, Elkins shifted to Intermodal Marketing, a move that marked the start of his journey into corporate leadership. Over two decades, he built a reputation for innovation and customer-focused solutions in rail freight marketing. His work involved expanding intermodal services, strengthening partnerships, and aligning Norfolk Southern’s offerings with evolving market demands.
In 2016, Elkins was appointed Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, overseeing a critical segment of the company’s freight business. By 2018, he had risen to Vice President of Industrial Products, where he managed the transportation of diverse commodities, from construction materials to metals, across the rail network.
Executive Role as Chief Commercial Officer
In 2021, Claude Edward Elkins Jr was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern. In this capacity, he oversees major divisions, including Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics. His leadership focuses on enhancing service reliability, expanding customer solutions, and driving sustainable growth in a competitive industry.
He also plays a vital role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, aligning commercial operations with long-term corporate goals, and adapting to emerging challenges such as supply chain disruptions and environmental regulations. Under his guidance, Norfolk Southern continues to modernize its marketing and logistics capabilities while balancing efficiency with customer satisfaction.
Board Memberships and Industry Involvement
Beyond his corporate role, Elkins is an influential figure in industry and community organizations. He serves as Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and holds board positions with the East Lake Foundation, the National Association of Manufacturers, TTX Company, and the Georgia State University Marketing RoundTable.
These roles demonstrate his commitment to not only advancing the rail industry but also contributing to economic development and education. As a member of The Conference Board’s Council for CMOs, he engages with other senior executives to address challenges and innovations in marketing leadership.
Achievements and Challenges in Leadership
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s career is marked by significant achievements, including expanding Norfolk Southern’s customer base, improving operational efficiency, and introducing innovative marketing approaches. His leadership has contributed to strong revenue growth and the modernization of commercial operations.
However, like many leaders in the transportation sector, he faces challenges such as market volatility, competition from other freight carriers, and adapting to shifting economic conditions. Balancing profitability with sustainability, safety, and service excellence remains an ongoing priority in his role.
Compensation and Professional Recognition
As a senior executive, Elkins has been recognized for his strategic contributions to Norfolk Southern’s growth. His annual compensation package reflects his responsibilities in overseeing multi-billion-dollar divisions and driving long-term commercial success. Public reports indicate his base salary and performance-based incentives place him among the top earners in the rail industry.
His leadership style—grounded in operational experience, customer engagement, and strategic vision—continues to earn him respect within the transportation sector.
Conclusion
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s journey from a Road Brakeman to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer is a powerful example of career growth through dedication, adaptability, and strategic leadership. His story underscores the value of hands-on experience combined with academic achievement, and his influence extends beyond Norfolk Southern into industry-wide innovation and community development.
While his career has brought substantial achievements, it has also demanded resilience in facing industry challenges. This balance of triumphs and trials makes his leadership both inspiring and relatable, offering lessons in perseverance, adaptability, and vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?
A1: He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation, overseeing key commercial operations across multiple divisions.
Q2: When did he start his career at Norfolk Southern?
A2: He began in 1988 as a Road Brakeman before advancing into various operational and marketing roles.
Q3: What is his educational background?
A3: He holds a BA in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and an MBA in Port & Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University.
Q4: What boards does he serve on?
A4: He is Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and serves on boards for the East Lake Foundation, National Association of Manufacturers, TTX Company, and others.
Q5: What are his main responsibilities as Chief Commercial Officer?
A5: He oversees Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Field Sales, Customer Logistics, and other commercial operations, ensuring growth and customer satisfaction.
