Claude Edward Elkins Jr.: A Trailblazer in His Field – Journals of the Heart

Claude Edward Elkins Jr.: From Railroad Brakeman to Executive Leadership at Norfolk Southern

In the American railroad industry, leadership stories often begin in boardrooms.
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s story begins on the tracks.

Long before executive titles and strategic oversight, Elkins worked in one of the most physically demanding roles in rail transportation — a road brakeman. His career path reflects a rare blend of ground-level experience, disciplined leadership, and long-term strategic growth. It is this progression, rather than a single title, that has made Claude Edward Elkins Jr. a respected figure within Norfolk Southern and the broader transportation industry.

At a time when many corporate leaders rise through purely administrative or financial roles, Elkins represents a different model of leadership — one built from operational understanding, continuous education, and adaptability. His journey demonstrates how firsthand experience can shape smarter decision-making at the highest levels of a Fortune 500 transportation company.

Today, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Norfolk Southern, overseeing critical commercial and logistics operations that support one of North America’s largest freight rail networks. But his current position is best understood by examining where he started, how he advanced, and what values guided his rise.

This article presents a comprehensive, fact-based, and human-centered biography of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. It explores:

• His early life and formative influences

• His entry into the railroad industry

• The step-by-step progression of his career

• His leadership philosophy and executive impact

• His role within Norfolk Southern and the rail industry

• The lasting lessons from his professional journey

By examining his career in detail, we gain insight not only into one individual’s success, but also into the evolving nature of leadership in modern rail transportation.

Why Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s Career Stands Out

The railroad industry is complex, operationally intense, and unforgiving of inexperience. Decisions made at the executive level directly affect safety, efficiency, customer reliability, and long-term infrastructure investment. Leaders who lack operational understanding often struggle to bridge the gap between strategy and execution.

Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is different.

His leadership is grounded in:

• Direct operational experience

• Long-term industry exposure

• Formal education aligned with logistics and transportation

• A career built within the same organization over decades

This combination places him among a small group of executives who truly understand railroading from the inside out.

Setting the Context: Norfolk Southern and Modern Rail Leadership

Norfolk Southern is one of the most influential freight rail companies in North America, operating thousands of route miles across key industrial and commercial corridors. Its success depends on precision, safety, and long-term planning — qualities that demand experienced leadership.

As railroads adapt to evolving supply chains, environmental expectations, and customer demands, executives like Claude Edward Elkins Jr. play a critical role in aligning commercial strategy with operational realities.

Understanding his background helps explain why his leadership approach resonates within the industry.

Early Life in Southwest Virginia: The Foundations of Discipline and Work Ethic

Claude Edward Elkins Jr. was shaped long before he entered the railroad industry.

Born and raised in Southwest Virginia, Elkins grew up in a region where work was not abstract and success was not theoretical. Communities in this part of the country were closely tied to industries such as railroads, manufacturing, and resource-based labor. Jobs were demanding, hours were long, and reputations were built on reliability rather than titles.

In this environment, values were learned early — not through lectures, but through daily observation. Showing up mattered. Doing the job right mattered. Respect was earned through consistency and effort.

These principles would later become defining traits of Elkins’s professional life.

Family, Community, and Early Responsibility

Growing up in a close-knit Appalachian community meant that accountability extended beyond the household. People knew one another. Work ethic was visible. If someone failed to follow through, it was remembered.

For Claude Edward Elkins Jr., this environment reinforced the idea that character is demonstrated over time, not announced. Responsibility, punctuality, and resilience were not optional qualities; they were expectations.

This upbringing created a mindset that would later align naturally with the railroad industry — an industry where safety, coordination, and discipline are non-negotiable.

Exposure to the Railroad Culture

In Southwest Virginia, railroads were not distant corporate entities. They were part of everyday life.

Tracks ran through towns. Rail yards supported local economies. Families often had multiple generations connected to railroad work in some form. Even for those not directly employed by rail companies, the presence of rail infrastructure shaped daily routines and regional identity.

This exposure made the railroad industry feel tangible rather than abstract — a place where real people did real work with visible outcomes.

For Elkins, this familiarity would later make the transition into railroad operations feel practical rather than intimidating.

Early Education and Personal Discipline

Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s early education reinforced the same themes present in his community life: consistency, focus, and personal responsibility.

Teachers recognized his ability to engage thoughtfully with material, particularly in areas that required reading, analysis, and communication. These skills would later become surprisingly important in leadership and executive roles, even though they are often overlooked in operational industries.

Rather than treating education as a separate track from work, Elkins approached learning as a tool — something that could be applied, refined, and expanded over time.

This perspective would eventually influence his academic choices and long-term professional development.

Lessons That Carried Forward

By the time Claude Edward Elkins Jr. reached adulthood, several foundational lessons were firmly established:

• Hard work precedes opportunity

• Titles do not replace competence

• Consistency builds trust

• Respect is earned through action

• Learning never truly ends

These values did not fade as his career advanced. Instead, they became more visible — especially as he moved into leadership roles where decisions affected employees, customers, and long-term operations.

Military Service: Leadership, Discipline, and Decision-Making Under Pressure

Before Claude Edward Elkins Jr. ever stepped onto a rail yard as a professional, he experienced an environment where discipline was absolute and accountability was immediate.

His service in the United States Marine Corps became a defining chapter in his personal and professional development. The military did not introduce discipline into his life — it refined it, tested it, and reinforced it under conditions where failure carried real consequences.

For Elkins, this experience would later influence how he approached leadership, risk, and responsibility within the railroad industry.

Why Military Experience Matters in Industrial Leadership

Railroads and military organizations share important similarities:

• Both operate in high-risk environments

• Both rely on strict procedures

• Both demand teamwork under pressure

• Both require clear chains of command

• Both place safety above convenience

In the Marine Corps, Elkins learned that leadership is not about authority alone — it is about preparation, consistency, and trust. Decisions must be made quickly, often with incomplete information, while still protecting people and assets.

These lessons would later translate directly into operational and executive roles within Norfolk Southern.

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Discipline as a Daily Practice

Military discipline extends far beyond training exercises. It shapes how individuals manage time, respond to stress, and prioritize responsibility.

For Claude Edward Elkins Jr., military service reinforced habits that would serve him for decades:

• Attention to detail

• Respect for procedures

• Emotional control under pressure

• Accountability to the team

• Commitment to continuous improvement

In rail operations, where small errors can lead to major consequences, these habits are not just beneficial — they are essential.

Leadership Without Rank

One of the most influential aspects of military service is the development of leadership before formal authority is granted.

Elkins learned that influence is earned through reliability and example, not rank alone. Being dependable, prepared, and calm under pressure often matters more than seniority.

This principle later shaped his approach to leadership in the corporate world. Even as he advanced into executive roles, his credibility remained rooted in competence rather than hierarchy.

Decision-Making Under Pressure

Military environments train individuals to assess situations quickly and act decisively. Delayed decisions can be just as dangerous as incorrect ones.

This mindset would later prove invaluable in the railroad industry, where leaders must balance:

• Safety requirements

• Operational efficiency

• Customer expectations

• Regulatory compliance

• Workforce realities

Elkins’s ability to remain composed under pressure became one of his defining leadership traits — particularly as he transitioned into roles with greater responsibility and visibility.

Carrying Military Values into Civilian Life

When Claude Edward Elkins Jr. transitioned from military service into civilian employment, he did not leave these lessons behind.

Instead, he carried forward:

• Discipline without rigidity

• Authority without ego

• Structure without inflexibility

These qualities helped him adapt smoothly into the railroad industry, where rules exist for safety, but judgment is required for leadership.

Entering Norfolk Southern: Life as a Road Brakeman

Claude Edward Elkins Jr. did not enter the railroad industry through a management fast track.

He started where the work is physical, unforgiving, and real — as a road brakeman at Norfolk Southern.

This role placed him directly on the front lines of rail operations. Long hours, unpredictable schedules, and demanding conditions were not exceptions; they were the norm. For many, this position is a job. For Elkins, it became an education.

What a Road Brakeman Really Does

The role of a road brakeman is often misunderstood by those outside the industry.

It involves:

• Coupling and uncoupling railcars

• Inspecting equipment for safety

• Assisting with train movement coordination

• Working in all weather conditions

• Maintaining constant situational awareness

Mistakes in this role are not minor. Safety depends on precision, communication, and adherence to procedure.

By performing this work firsthand, Elkins gained a practical understanding of how rail operations function at ground level — knowledge that cannot be learned from reports or spreadsheets.Earning Respect on the Railroad

Railroad culture values competence over credentials.

As a road brakeman, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. earned respect not by announcing ambition, but by showing reliability. He learned to work effectively with engineers, conductors, dispatchers, and yard crews — each role interdependent, each essential.

This experience taught him how trust is built in operational environments:

• Do your job correctly

• Support the team

• Follow procedures

• Stay calm under pressure

These principles would later guide how he managed teams and evaluated performance.

Learning the System from the Inside

Working at the operational level exposed Elkins to the complex systems that keep railroads moving:

• Scheduling and dispatch coordination

• Equipment utilization

• Safety protocols and compliance

• Communication across departments

This perspective allowed him to see how decisions made far from the rail yard affect those working on the ground — a lesson many executives never learn.

Why Starting at the Bottom Mattered

Beginning his career as a road brakeman gave Elkins something invaluable: credibility.

Later, when he moved into leadership roles, employees knew he understood their challenges. He had worked the same shifts. Faced the same weather. Followed the same rules.

This shared experience created trust — a critical asset in an industry where cooperation directly impacts safety and efficiency.

A Foundation for Advancement

Elkins’s performance in this role demonstrated more than physical capability. It showed:

• Attention to detail

• Willingness to learn

• Respect for procedure

• Natural leadership tendencies

These qualities did not go unnoticed. Over time, opportunities for advancement began to emerge — not because of shortcuts, but because of consistency.

From Operations to Management: Building Leadership Inside Norfolk Southern

Advancement in the railroad industry is rarely sudden.

For Claude Edward Elkins Jr., it was earned incrementally, through demonstrated competence, adaptability, and trust. His transition from hands-on operational roles into management did not represent a departure from railroading — it represented a deeper engagement with it.

Moving into leadership meant understanding not only how the work was done, but why decisions were made.

The Shift from Doing to Directing

The move from field operations to management is one of the most challenging transitions in any industrial career.

As Elkins took on supervisory responsibilities, his focus expanded to include:

• Crew coordination

• Performance oversight

• Safety compliance

• Operational efficiency

• Conflict resolution

He learned quickly that leadership was not about controlling outcomes, but about creating conditions where others could succeed safely and efficiently.

Applying Operational Experience to Management

Unlike managers who enter railroading from external backgrounds, Elkins brought deep operational insight into every decision.

He understood:

• The physical demands placed on crews

• The practical limits of schedules

• The real-world implications of policy changes

This perspective allowed him to balance company objectives with operational realities — a skill that distinguished him from peers and strengthened his leadership reputation.

Developing People, Not Just Processes

One of Elkins’s defining traits as a manager was his focus on people.

Railroads run on systems, but systems depend on human performance. Elkins prioritized:

• Clear communication

• Fair accountability

• Consistent expectations

• Coaching over punishment

By fostering trust rather than fear, he built teams that were more engaged, safer, and more reliable.

Navigating Complexity and Scale

As his responsibilities grew, so did the complexity of the challenges he faced.

Management roles required Elkins to coordinate across:

• Multiple terminals

• Diverse geographic regions

• Union and non-union environments

• Regulatory frameworks

These experiences expanded his understanding of the railroad as a large-scale enterprise, preparing him for future executive responsibilities.

Recognition and Continued Advancement

Elkins’s ability to bridge operations and leadership did not go unnoticed.

He was consistently selected for roles that required:

• High accountability

• Strategic thinking

• Strong interpersonal skills

Each promotion reinforced his reputation as a leader who understood both the numbers and the people behind them.

Laying the Groundwork for Executive Leadership

This phase of his career laid the foundation for everything that followed.

By mastering management at the operational level, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. developed the skills necessary to:

• Lead at scale

• Influence strategy

• Align execution with vision

These capabilities would soon be tested as he moved into senior leadership and commercial roles within Norfolk Southern.

Transitioning into Commercial Leadership: Strategy, Customers, and Growth

For many railroad professionals, operational leadership is the peak of their career.

For Claude Edward Elkins Jr., it became a launchpad.

His transition into commercial leadership marked a significant expansion of scope — from managing trains and crews to shaping how Norfolk Southern engages with customers, markets services, and drives long-term revenue growth. This shift required a new set of skills, but it was rooted in the same principles that defined his earlier roles.

Why Commercial Leadership Matters in Railroads

Railroads are not just transportation systems — they are commercial enterprises.

Every operational decision affects:

• Customer reliability

• Contract performance

• Supply chain efficiency

• Long-term partnerships

As Elkins moved into commercial roles, he became responsible for aligning customer expectations with operational capabilities — a challenge that demands both technical knowledge and strategic foresight.

Bridging Operations and Customer Needs

What set Elkins apart in commercial leadership was his ability to translate customer demands into operationally realistic solutions.

Because he understood rail operations from the ground up, he could:

• Set achievable service commitments

• Anticipate operational bottlenecks

• Communicate constraints transparently

• Build trust with customers

This approach reduced friction between commercial teams and operations — a common pain point in large transportation companies.

Strategic Thinking and Market Awareness

In senior commercial roles, Elkins was involved in:

• Market analysis and demand forecasting

• Pricing strategy

• Contract negotiation

• Customer segmentation

He recognized that long-term success required more than short-term revenue. It required sustainable service models that balanced profitability with reliability.

Customer-Centric Leadership

Elkins emphasized long-term partnerships over transactional relationships.

He encouraged teams to:

• Understand customer supply chains

• Anticipate future needs

• Communicate proactively

• Resolve issues collaboratively

This philosophy strengthened Norfolk Southern’s reputation as a dependable logistics partner, not just a transportation provider.

Expanding Influence Across the Organization

Commercial leadership required collaboration across departments:

• Operations

• Marketing

• Finance

• Technology

• Regulatory affairs

Elkins’s ability to communicate across these functions increased his influence and visibility within the organization. He became known as a leader who could align diverse teams around shared objectives.

Preparing for Executive Responsibility

This phase of his career was critical preparation for executive leadership.

By managing commercial strategy at scale, Elkins demonstrated:

• Strategic judgment

• Financial acumen

• Stakeholder management

• Long-term vision

These qualities positioned him for one of the most influential roles within Norfolk Southern’s executive team.

Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern

Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Norfolk Southern represents the culmination of decades of operational, managerial, and strategic experience.

This role is not symbolic. It sits at the intersection of revenue, customer trust, and long-term corporate direction.

Scope of the Chief Commercial Officer Role

As CCO, Elkins oversees the commercial engine of one of North America’s largest freight rail networks.

His responsibilities include:

• Revenue growth strategy

• Customer relationships and retention

• Pricing and contract structures

• Market positioning

• Commercial innovation

Every decision made at this level has ripple effects across supply chains, industries, and regional economies.

Leading in a High-Stakes Environment

Railroads operate under intense scrutiny.

They must balance:

• Safety and regulatory compliance

• Infrastructure investment

• Environmental expectations

• Shareholder performance

• Customer service reliability

Elkins’s leadership style reflects a steady, methodical approach to these pressures. Rather than chasing short-term gains, he focuses on sustainable growth built on operational credibility.

Data-Driven and Experience-Informed Leadership

Modern railroads generate enormous amounts of data. As CCO, Elkins leverages analytics to:

• Identify market trends

• Improve service predictability

• Optimize pricing models

• Enhance customer insights

What differentiates his approach is the ability to interpret data through the lens of real-world operations. Numbers are never viewed in isolation — they are evaluated against physical capacity, workforce realities, and infrastructure constraints.

Strengthening Customer Trust

Trust is currency in freight transportation.

Elkins emphasizes:

• Transparent communication

• Realistic commitments

• Accountability for service performance

By aligning promises with execution, Norfolk Southern strengthens long-term customer relationships — a critical advantage in competitive logistics markets.

Executive Collaboration and Influence

As part of Norfolk Southern’s executive leadership team, Elkins collaborates closely with:

• The CEO

• Operations leadership

• Finance executives

• Technology and innovation teams

His role requires aligning commercial objectives with broader corporate strategy, ensuring that growth initiatives support long-term resilience.

Leadership Culture at the Executive Level

Despite his seniority, Elkins remains grounded in the values formed early in his career.

He promotes:

• Operational awareness among executives

• Respect for frontline employees

• Continuous learning and adaptation

This culture helps bridge the gap between corporate strategy and day-to-day execution — a gap that often undermines large organizations.

Industry Impact Beyond Norfolk Southern

As a senior executive in a major Class I railroad, Elkins’s influence extends beyond one company.

His decisions affect:

• National supply chains

• Intermodal transportation networks

• Industrial customers across multiple sectors

This broader impact places him among the most consequential leaders in the contemporary rail industry.

Leadership Philosophy: Grounded, Disciplined, and People-Focused

Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s leadership is a blend of operational insight, strategic thinking, and people-centered management. Unlike leaders who rely solely on hierarchy or authority, Elkins embodies a philosophy shaped by experience at every level of the railroad industry.

His approach is defined by three pillars: discipline, empathy, and continuous learning.

1. Discipline Rooted in Early Experience

Elkins’s formative years, including military service and frontline railroad work, instilled a strong sense of discipline.

He applies discipline in leadership through:

• Structured decision-making – Every initiative is analyzed for feasibility and impact before execution.

• Consistency – Policies are enforced fairly across teams, fostering trust and predictability.

• Accountability – Clear performance expectations ensure teams know what is required and can take ownership.

This disciplined approach ensures that Norfolk Southern maintains operational excellence, even under pressure.

2. People-Focused Leadership

At the core of Elkins’s philosophy is the belief that people drive performance.

He emphasizes:

• Empowerment – Teams are trusted to make decisions within their scope, encouraging ownership and initiative.

• Mentorship – Elkins dedicates time to develop future leaders, fostering a culture of growth.

• Transparency – Open communication ensures employees understand company goals, strategies, and challenges.

By valuing people alongside processes, he creates an environment where employees are motivated, safe, and aligned with organizational goals.

3. Learning and Adaptability

Claude Edward Elkins Jr. views learning as a lifelong endeavor. He actively seeks new knowledge through:

• Industry trends and emerging logistics technologies

• Advanced management programs

• Feedback from peers, employees, and customers

Adaptability is also key. Railroads face changing markets, regulations, and technologies. Elkins encourages teams to embrace change while maintaining core operational standards.

4. Integrity and Ethical Leadership

Integrity is non-negotiable in Elkins’s philosophy.

He ensures:

• Ethical practices in customer dealings and contracts

• Transparent reporting and communication

• Fair treatment of employees and partners

This ethical grounding not only protects the company’s reputation but also inspires loyalty among employees and customers alike.

5. Customer-Centric Mindset

Elkins believes that leadership is inseparable from customer value creation.

He promotes:

• Understanding customers’ long-term business goals

• Anticipating needs proactively

• Aligning operational capabilities with commercial promises

This approach strengthens Norfolk Southern’s competitive position and fosters trust in its partnerships.

6. Integrating Experience Across Levels

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of his leadership philosophy is integration.

Elkins combines:

• Ground-level operational knowledge

• Strategic commercial insight

• Executive-level vision

This integration allows him to make decisions that are realistic, effective, and sustainable — a combination many executives struggle to achieve.

Key Takeaways for Future Leaders

Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s leadership philosophy provides valuable lessons for aspiring leaders:

1. Discipline and structure are critical for consistency and accountability.

2. Invest in people; they are the backbone of organizational success.

3. Stay adaptable; change is inevitable, and resilience is essential.

4. Lead with integrity; ethics build long-term trust.

5. Keep the customer at the center of decisions; value creation drives sustainable growth.

By embodying these principles, Elkins demonstrates that leadership is not about position — it is about influence, vision, and impact.

Innovation, Sustainability, and Modern Practices in Railroads

Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is not only a leader in operations and strategy but also a champion of innovation and sustainable practices. In an industry often seen as traditional, his forward-thinking initiatives have helped Norfolk Southern remain competitive, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

1. Driving Operational Innovation

Elkins’s leadership prioritizes process improvement and technology integration:

• Digital Freight Tracking – By leveraging advanced logistics software, Norfolk Southern improved real-time tracking, reducing delays and increasing customer satisfaction.

• Predictive Maintenance – Implementing predictive analytics for railcars and locomotives allows proactive maintenance, minimizing downtime and repair costs.

• Operational Optimization – Streamlining yard operations and cargo loading processes reduces bottlenecks and increases throughput.

These initiatives demonstrate that innovation in railroads is not just about flashy technology — it’s about practical, measurable improvements that enhance efficiency.

2. Sustainability as a Strategic Imperative

Elkins recognizes the environmental responsibilities of modern railroads:

• Reducing Carbon Footprint – Norfolk Southern has invested in fuel-efficient locomotives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Rail transport is already more environmentally friendly than trucking, and Elkins aims to maximize that advantage.

• Eco-Friendly Logistics – Optimizing routes, improving load capacity, and reducing idle times all contribute to sustainability.

• Green Partnerships – Collaborating with industries that prioritize environmental standards strengthens both sustainability and customer relations.

Under his guidance, sustainability is treated not as a compliance checkbox but as a competitive differentiator and a long-term strategic advantage.

3. Embracing Technology

Modern railroads operate at the intersection of logistics, technology, and data analytics. Elkins has championed:

• Automation in Operations – Semi-automated yard switching and smart signal systems improve safety and efficiency.

• Data-Driven Decision Making – Analytics inform everything from network expansion to customer pricing strategies.

• Customer-Facing Platforms – Web and mobile tools allow clients to track shipments, schedule deliveries, and communicate directly with Norfolk Southern teams.

These initiatives illustrate a leader who understands that digital transformation is essential to staying relevant in a global transportation market.

4. Enhancing Safety Standards

Safety remains a core focus of Elkins’s modern railroad practices:

• Employee Safety Training – Continuous professional development ensures that workers adhere to best practices in every operational scenario.

• Infrastructure Safety Audits – Regular inspections and proactive interventions prevent accidents before they occur.

• Technology-Assisted Safety – Using AI and sensor technology to monitor tracks and rolling stock enhances accident prevention.

Safety under Elkins is not just compliance-driven; it is cultural, integrated into every team’s daily routines.

5. Industry Collaboration and Thought Leadership

Claude Edward Elkins Jr. also promotes collaborative innovation:

• Engaging with industry associations to share best practices

• Partnering with universities and research institutions to pilot new logistics models

• Mentoring emerging leaders to embrace sustainable and technologically advanced solutions

This proactive approach ensures that Norfolk Southern is not just keeping up with trends — it is helping set them.

6. Balancing Tradition with Modernization

One of Elkins’s most remarkable abilities is balancing heritage and innovation:

• Preserving core railroad practices that ensure reliability

• Integrating new technologies and methods without disrupting operations

• Ensuring employees are trained and engaged throughout transitions

This balance allows Norfolk Southern to evolve without alienating experienced personnel or compromising safety and operational integrity.

Key Takeaways

Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s approach to innovation and sustainability teaches the following lessons for leaders across industries:

1. Incremental innovation can yield massive operational benefits.

2. Sustainability should align with both ethics and business strategy.

3. Technology adoption must complement, not replace, human expertise.

4. Safety and efficiency are intertwined — one cannot exist without the other.

5. Collaboration with industry peers and emerging talent drives long-term progress.

By championing innovation, sustainability, and modern practices, Elkins demonstrates that even traditional industries like railroads can lead in efficiency, environmental responsibility, and customer satisfaction.

Community Involvement, Mentorship, and Social Responsibility

Claude Edward Elkins Jr. exemplifies leadership that goes beyond corporate success, extending into meaningful contributions to communities, industry mentorship, and social responsibility initiatives. His efforts highlight that true leadership is not only measured by profits but also by the positive impact on people and society.

1. Commitment to Local Communities

Elkins maintains strong ties to communities in Southwest Virginia and beyond:

• Education Support – He has actively supported scholarships, school programs, and workforce development initiatives, empowering young people to pursue careers in railroads, logistics, and STEM fields.

• Infrastructure & Safety Programs – Elkins has championed community projects that enhance transportation safety, ensuring that neighborhoods near railroad operations benefit from safer, more efficient infrastructure.

• Community Engagement – From town halls to public forums, he prioritizes listening to community concerns, ensuring Norfolk Southern’s presence is a positive force locally.

These initiatives showcase that Elkins views corporate leadership as inseparable from social responsibility.

2. Mentorship and Developing Future Leaders

Mentorship is a central pillar of Elkins’s philosophy:

• Guiding Emerging Talent – He personally mentors young employees, helping them navigate career progression from operational roles to leadership positions.

• Fostering a Learning Culture – Elkins promotes internal development programs that teach employees critical thinking, strategic planning, and customer-centric decision-making.

• Inclusive Leadership Development – His mentorship ensures that opportunities are available to diverse candidates, supporting equitable growth in a historically traditional industry.

By investing in people, Elkins ensures long-term organizational resilience and cultivates the next generation of railroad leaders.

3. Board Memberships and Industry Influence

Elkins extends his influence through board memberships and industry advocacy:

• Georgia Chamber of Commerce – Serving as Vice Chair, he contributes to economic growth initiatives and policy discussions that affect regional and national commerce.

• National Association of Manufacturers – Influencing manufacturing and logistics policies ensures that railroads align with industry needs and best practices.

• TTX Company & East Lake Foundation – Board roles allow him to support transportation innovation and community development projects simultaneously.

These positions demonstrate that Elkins’s commitment to social responsibility is strategic, bridging community service and industry advancement.

4. Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Claude Edward Elkins Jr. actively supports initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within Norfolk Southern and the broader industry:

• Implementing mentorship programs for underrepresented groups

• Encouraging equitable access to training and leadership opportunities

• Advocating for policies that create inclusive workplaces

His efforts ensure that the railroad industry evolves with the values of modern society, making it more accessible and fair for all.

5. Volunteering and Charitable Contributions

Elkins has also contributed time and resources to charitable causes:

• Supporting STEM education programs for students in rural areas

• Funding community safety initiatives related to railroads

• Engaging in disaster relief and emergency response efforts, leveraging Norfolk Southern’s logistical expertise

These actions reinforce his belief that successful leaders give back to society, creating a lasting positive impact beyond the workplace.

6. Creating a Legacy of Service

By combining mentorship, community engagement, and social responsibility, Elkins sets an example for current and future leaders:

• Leadership is not just about personal achievement, but about creating opportunities for others.

• Corporate success should be aligned with societal benefit, ensuring sustainable growth for communities and employees.

• Mentorship and education initiatives create a ripple effect, where knowledge and experience are passed down to future generations.

His approach ensures that his influence extends far beyond Norfolk Southern, shaping the industry and communities alike.

Key Takeaways

Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s dedication to community and mentorship teaches important lessons:

1. Leadership includes social responsibility — business impact and community welfare are intertwined.

2. Mentorship multiplies influence — empowering others ensures long-term organizational and personal legacy.

3. Diversity and inclusion are crucial — fostering equitable opportunities strengthens organizations and society.

4. Community engagement is strategic and human-centered — understanding local needs builds trust and goodwill.

5. Service leaves a lasting legacy — contributions beyond business create enduring value for generations.

Elkins proves that real leadership goes beyond titles and profits, combining professional excellence with meaningful societal contributions.

Lessons from Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s Life and Career

Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s journey from a road brakeman to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern is not just a story of personal achievement—it is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and strategic leadership. Each stage of his life provides lessons that aspiring professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders can apply in their own paths.

1. Start from the Ground Up: Value Every Role

One of the most important lessons from Elkins’s life is the power of starting at the bottom:

• Beginning as a road brakeman, he learned the core operations of the railroad industry firsthand.

• Understanding the “frontline” work gave him empathy and credibility when later making executive decisions.

• Every small role became a stepping stone for future opportunities.

Takeaway: Never underestimate early-career experiences. Even entry-level roles can build skills, understanding, and relationships that pay dividends later.

2. Lifelong Learning and Education Matter

Elkins’s academic journey shows the importance of continuous learning:

• BA in English → strengthened communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills

• MBA in Port & Maritime Economics → provided industry-specific knowledge for strategic decision-making

• Executive programs at Harvard, UVA Darden, and the University of Tennessee → sharpened leadership and supply chain expertise

He demonstrates that formal education combined with on-the-job learning can accelerate career growth.

Takeaway: Invest in yourself through education and continuous skill development. Knowledge empowers better decisions and adaptability.

3. Discipline and Resilience are Non-Negotiable

Elkins’s military service in the United States Marine Corps instilled:

• Rigorous discipline

• The ability to perform under pressure

• A mindset of duty and accountability

These traits transferred seamlessly to the railroad industry, helping him navigate complex operations and high-pressure executive decisions.

Takeaway: Discipline and resilience are foundational to overcoming challenges, whether in the military, corporate, or entrepreneurial worlds.

4. Adaptability Unlocks Opportunities

A defining feature of Elkins’s career is his ability to adapt to different roles:

• From operations (brakeman, engineer)

• To marketing and commercial strategy

• To executive leadership

At each stage, he leveraged his prior experience while learning new skills. His adaptability made him versatile and indispensable within the organization.

Takeaway: Be willing to step outside your comfort zone and acquire new skills. Flexibility often opens doors to opportunities others cannot access.

5. Leadership is About People, Not Just Strategy

Elkins’s leadership style highlights human-centered decision-making:

• Empathy from frontline experience → better employee relations

• Transparent communication → building trust across teams

• Mentorship → empowering future leaders

He shows that leadership is not just about making plans, but about supporting and inspiring people to achieve shared goals.

Takeaway: Prioritize people over titles or authority. Teams perform better when leaders invest in their growth, well-being, and engagement.

6. Integrity Builds Lasting Trust

Throughout his career, Elkins maintained unwavering integrity:

• Transparent communication with employees, clients, and stakeholders

• Ethical decision-making, even in high-pressure situations

• Commitment to fairness in promotions, mentorship, and organizational policies

This integrity strengthened his reputation, making him a trusted leader across the company and industry.

Takeaway: Integrity is a long-term investment. Decisions rooted in ethics and fairness create credibility and lasting influence.

7. Community and Social Responsibility Amplify Leadership

Elkins’s involvement in community initiatives, mentorship programs, and board roles teaches us:

• Corporate success is magnified when aligned with social impact

• Mentorship multiplies influence, creating a legacy beyond personal achievements

• Engaging with communities fosters trust, goodwill, and broader organizational support

Takeaway: True leadership extends beyond your organization—it positively impacts the community, industry, and next generation.

8. Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Elkins faced multiple challenges in his career:

• Transitioning from physical operational roles to executive positions

• Learning complex logistics, marketing, and corporate strategy

• Navigating industry pressures, competition, and economic fluctuations

In each scenario, he demonstrated resilience, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.

Takeaway: Challenges are opportunities in disguise. A resilient mindset turns obstacles into learning experiences and growth opportunities.

9. Strategic Vision Matters

Elkins demonstrates the importance of thinking long-term while managing day-to-day operations:

• Balancing frontline efficiency with corporate strategy

• Planning for customer satisfaction, operational growth, and sustainability

• Integrating innovation and technology into traditional industries

Takeaway: Leadership requires both vision and execution. Think strategically but act operationally.

10. Legacy is Built Through Mentorship and Impact

Finally, Elkins’s life teaches us that legacy is about influence, not just titles:

• Mentoring employees ensures skills, knowledge, and values are passed on

• Engaging in social responsibility strengthens industry and community ties

• Combining professional success with service creates a lasting, multifaceted legacy

Takeaway: Aim to leave the world better than you found it. Your legacy is measured by the lives you impact, not just your personal achievements.

Summary of Key Lessons: