Some leaders are made in boardrooms. Others are forged on the rails, one shift, one decision, one hard-earned lesson at a time. Claude Edward Elkins Jr., known to many simply as Ed Elkins, is the latter. His rise from road brakeman to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern isn’t just a corporate success story. It’s a masterclass in resilience, humility, and long-view leadership.
His path reflects the kind of leadership we don’t hear enough about: grounded in experience, strengthened by learning, and guided by service.
Quick Facts About Claude Edward Elkins Jr
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Claude Edward “Ed” Elkins Jr. |
| Birthplace | Southwest Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education |
BA in English – University of Virginia’s College at Wise MBA in Port & Maritime Economics – Old Dominion University Executive Programs – Harvard Business School, UVA Darden, University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute |
| Military Service | United States Marine Corps |
| Profession | Corporate Executive – Railroad & Logistics Industry |
| Known For | Rising from brakeman to EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern |
| Current Position | Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Norfolk Southern |
| Years at Norfolk Southern | Since 1988 (over 37 years) |
| Boards and Associations |
Vice Chair – Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board Member – National Association of Manufacturers Board Member – East Lake Foundation Board Member – TTX Company |
| Stock Holdings (Est.) | Estimated between $33,000 and $470,000 |
| Residence | United States |
Early Life: Grounded Values from Appalachia
Born and raised in the hills of Southwest Virginia, Elkins grew up in a community shaped by railroads, coal, and the dignity of manual labor. This environment didn’t just inform his work ethic. It defined it. In a region where doing the job right matters more than being seen doing it, Elkins learned the quiet virtues of discipline, reliability, and humility.
Though he rarely speaks about his personal life, those who’ve worked with him point to his upbringing as the bedrock of his steady, no-drama approach to leadership.
Service in the U.S. Marine Corps
Before his railroad career began, Elkins served in the United States Marine Corps. The military doesn’t just teach protocol. It builds mental endurance and a sense of mission that shapes how a person leads under pressure. That influence is still evident in Elkins’ calm presence and unshakable focus on accountability.
His time in uniform added depth to his perspective, preparing him to lead teams, face adversity, and make high-stakes decisions with integrity.
Academic Foundation: Learning for the Long Haul
Elkins’ educational background is both broad and purposeful. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, giving him strong communication and analytical skills early on. He followed that with an MBA in Port and Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University, developing the commercial and global trade acumen he would later use in logistics leadership.
Elkins also completed executive development programs at Harvard Business School, UVA’s Darden School of Business, and the University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute. This lifelong learning mindset reflects his belief that leadership isn’t a destination. It’s a craft.
The Start: A Brakeman with a Bigger View
In 1988, Elkins began working at Norfolk Southern as a road brakeman, a physically demanding, often overlooked role that keeps freight moving safely. He went on to serve as a conductor, locomotive engineer, and relief yardmaster. These roles gave him more than technical skill. They offered a bottom-up view of how rail operations work and why every person on the team matters.
He didn’t just rise through the ranks. He earned every step of the climb. That experience now gives him rare credibility among both frontline employees and executive peers.
Two Decades in Intermodal: Bridging Railroads and Markets
After establishing himself in operations, Elkins pivoted to the commercial side of Norfolk Southern, joining the Intermodal Marketing team. Over the next two decades, he helped connect the dots between rail infrastructure and customer logistics, working with shippers, ports, and trucking companies to build reliable, scalable freight solutions.
This transition wasn’t simple. It required a new skill set, a broader view, and an ability to balance what customers want with what rail operations can deliver. His field experience made him uniquely effective at building those bridges.
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Executive Ascent: From Marketing to the C-Suite
In 2016, Elkins was named Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, overseeing a critical and highly regulated segment of the rail business. Two years later, he was promoted to Vice President of Industrial Products, leading transportation across sectors such as agriculture, construction, and forest products.
These leadership roles came with growing responsibility and growing challenges. From supply chain disruptions to customer expectations, Elkins had to manage volatility while building trust. His calm, measured style helped him navigate complexity without losing focus on long-term growth.
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
In December 2021, Elkins became Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern. In this role, he now leads a wide span of commercial operations, including:
- Intermodal
- Automotive
- Industrial Products
- Real Estate
- Short Line Marketing
- Industrial Development
- Customer Logistics
- Field Sales
He’s not just guiding revenue. He’s aligning Norfolk Southern’s commercial strategy with operational excellence, customer needs, and future infrastructure investment.
Industry and Community Leadership
Elkins doesn’t limit his leadership to Norfolk Southern. He serves as Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and sits on the boards of the National Association of Manufacturers, the East Lake Foundation, and TTX Company. These roles reflect his belief that leaders should contribute beyond their balance sheets, supporting regional development, economic policy, and social impact.
Whether he’s helping shape transportation strategy or supporting underserved communities, Elkins shows that business leadership and civic responsibility are not mutually exclusive.
Traits That Define Claude Edward Elkins Jr Leadership
Elkins isn’t flashy. He’s not chasing headlines or trending topics. What sets him apart is his:
- Operational credibility. He’s done the work himself.
- Commercial fluency. He understands what customers need and how to deliver.
- Calm under pressure. Whether it’s internal change or external disruption, he stays steady.
- Service-first mindset. From boardrooms to communities, he leads with purpose.
His legacy isn’t just in titles. It’s in the quiet confidence he brings to one of America’s most essential industries.
Final Thoughts
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. didn’t climb fast. He climbed right. His path is proof that leadership isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about showing up, learning the work, and earning trust. For young professionals and seasoned leaders alike, his journey offers a quiet reminder: the most impactful careers are built from the ground up, one step at a time, with humility, discipline, and service at the center.
FAQs About Claude Edward Elkins Jr
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern. He began his career in 1988 as a brakeman and rose through the ranks to become one of the company’s top executives.
He holds a BA in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and an MBA from Old Dominion University. He has also completed executive programs at Harvard Business School, UVA Darden, and the University of Tennessee.
Elkins leads Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Short Line Marketing, Industrial Development, Customer Logistics, and Field Sales operations.
His deep operational background, long commercial experience, and calm, respectful demeanor make him a leader trusted by both employees and stakeholders.
