Claude Edward Elkins Jr: Inspiring Journey of a Railroad Brakeman to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern
A story of perseverance, leadership, and the challenges faced on the road to success
Introduction
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is a name that resonates with determination, resilience, and transformation. Known for his rise from the ground level of railroad operations to the executive suite, his career reflects both the opportunities and obstacles of corporate America. While celebrated for his leadership as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, his story also carries lessons about dedication, adaptability, and the challenges of managing growth in one of the most competitive industries.
His professional life not only inspires employees within Norfolk Southern but also demonstrates how commitment to learning, evolving, and understanding the business from its foundation can lead to remarkable achievements. The journey of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is both powerful and humbling, showing the positives of ambition and the negatives of pressure that come with leadership at the highest level.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Claude Edward “Ed” Elkins Jr. |
| Birthplace | Southwest Virginia |
| Education | BA in English (University of Virginia’s College at Wise), MBA in Port & Maritime Economics (Old Dominion University), Management Certificates (Harvard Business School, UVA Darden, University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute) |
| Career Start | Road Brakeman at Norfolk Southern (1988) |
| Career Progression | Conductor → Locomotive Engineer → Relief Yardmaster → Intermodal Marketing Leader → VP of Chemicals Marketing (2016) → VP of Industrial Products (2018) → Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer (2021–present) |
| Current Role | Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern |
| Known For | Rising from railroad brakeman to top corporate executive |
| Community Roles | Georgia Chamber of Commerce (Vice Chair), National Association of Manufacturers (Board), East Lake Foundation (Board), TTX Company (Board) |
| Net Worth (Est.) | Company stock ownership valued at ~$33K (with other reports suggesting ~$470K range) |
| Source of Income | Executive salary, bonuses, stock ownership at Norfolk Southern |
Early Life and Educational Foundation
The story of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. begins in Southwest Virginia, a place that shaped his values of discipline, resilience, and hard work. Growing up in this environment, he learned the importance of perseverance, qualities that would become central to his professional path.
Education became a cornerstone for his success. Elkins pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, building strong communication and critical thinking skills. Later, he enhanced his expertise with an MBA in Port and Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University. His quest for growth did not stop there—he further sharpened his leadership capabilities through advanced programs at Harvard Business School, UVA Darden School, and the University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute.
Beginning a Career on the Frontlines
In 1988, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. started his career at Norfolk Southern in one of the most challenging roles possible—working as a road brakeman. This position required physical endurance, discipline, and precision, offering him firsthand experience of the railroad’s operational demands.
His early years also saw him take on roles as conductor, locomotive engineer, and relief yardmaster. These frontline responsibilities gave him deep insights into the industry, knowledge that would later shape his leadership style. Many executives lack direct operational experience, but Elkins built his career on the foundation of hands-on work, which became a distinguishing feature of his journey.
Transition into Marketing and Strategic Roles
After mastering operational roles, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. moved into the world of Intermodal Marketing. This shift marked the beginning of his transition into leadership and strategy. For nearly two decades, he worked extensively in marketing, building strong relationships with customers, understanding freight dynamics, and creating innovative solutions that boosted Norfolk Southern’s competitiveness.
This phase of his career was not without challenges. Moving from operations to marketing required him to adopt new skills and face pressures of performance targets. Yet, his operational knowledge became an asset, allowing him to bridge the gap between customer needs and practical railroad solutions. This combination of skills positioned him as a rising leader in the company.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Elkins’s commitment and results paved the way for executive responsibilities. In 2016, he was appointed Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, where he managed one of the most important sectors in rail transportation. By 2018, his expertise earned him the position of Vice President of Industrial Products, further expanding his influence within Norfolk Southern.
These roles tested his ability to balance customer expectations with operational realities. While he received recognition for building growth strategies, he also faced the negative realities of market volatility and supply chain disruptions. His leadership was defined by both successes and the challenges that strengthened his decision-making.
Becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
The pinnacle of his career came in December 2021, when Claude Edward Elkins Jr. was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern. This achievement symbolized his complete transformation from brakeman to corporate leader.
In this role, he oversees multiple business units including Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Industrial Development, Short Line Marketing, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics. The responsibilities are immense, demanding strategic vision, resilience, and the ability to navigate both opportunities and challenges. His story shows how positive ambition leads to success, yet also highlights the negative weight of responsibility that comes with guiding a Fortune 500 company’s commercial future.
Community and Industry Contributions
Beyond corporate leadership, Elkins has been active in broader industry and community engagement. He has contributed to organizations such as the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the East Lake Foundation, and TTX Company. His involvement demonstrates his commitment not only to Norfolk Southern but also to economic development and community welfare.
Through these efforts, he has built a legacy of service that extends beyond business performance. His example highlights the importance of balancing corporate responsibilities with civic engagement.
Legacy of Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
The legacy of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. rests on his ability to rise from the bottom ranks to the executive suite. His journey demonstrates that hard work, learning, and resilience can open doors to leadership.
At the same time, his story also reflects the pressures faced by executives in a complex industry. Balancing shareholder demands, customer needs, and employee well-being requires difficult decisions. This balance between the positive and negative aspects of leadership forms the essence of his professional legacy.
Conclusion
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. represents both the triumph and the challenge of leadership in modern business. From brakeman to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, his story highlights the power of determination, education, and adaptability. His career has not been without obstacles, but it serves as proof that resilience and vision can create success.
As his legacy continues to unfold, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. remains a symbol of what is possible when ambition meets perseverance. His life story carries lessons for young professionals, executives, and communities alike.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr.?
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, known for rising from a railroad brakeman to a top corporate leader.
Q2. What is his educational background?
He holds a BA in English, an MBA in Port & Maritime Economics, and advanced management certificates from leading institutions like Harvard and UVA Darden.
Q3. When did he start his career at Norfolk Southern?
He began in 1988 as a road brakeman before advancing to higher leadership roles.
Q4. What are his responsibilities as Chief Commercial Officer?
He oversees business areas including Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Industrial Development, Short Line Marketing, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics.
Q5. What is his legacy?
His legacy lies in his remarkable rise from the frontlines of railroad operations to the executive suite, proving that hard work and perseverance can break barriers and create lasting impact.
