Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is one of the most compelling examples of how perseverance, continuous learning, and hands-on operational experience can shape an executive career in one of America’s most vital industries — railroad transportation. Rising from humble beginnings as a road brakeman to becoming the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation, his journey shows how hard work, education, and leadership skills can transform a career — and influence an entire industry.
Introduction
In the complex world of modern logistics and transportation, few careers are as inspiring or as unusual as that of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. Known commonly as Ed Elkins, he currently serves as the Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Norfolk Southern, one of the largest railroads in the United States. What makes his story remarkable is not just his leadership role in a Fortune 500 company, but how he got there — starting from the very bottom of the railroad ranks and climbing his way up step by step through decades of dedication and strategic vision.
In this article, we explore his life from early beginnings through career milestones, leadership philosophy, impact on the rail industry, business achievements, and legacy.
Quick Profile of Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
Before diving into the story in detail, here’s a snapshot of key facts about Elkins:
Personal Information
- Full Name: Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
- Also Known As: Ed Elkins
- Birthplace: Southwest Virginia, USA
- Estimated Age (2025): ~59 years old
Current Position
- Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation
Industry Focus
- Freight transportation
- Railroad logistics
- Commercial strategy and business development
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise
- MBA in Port & Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University
Early Life and Background
Growing Up in Southwest Virginia
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. was raised in Southwest Virginia, a region deeply connected to railroad culture and the working-class ethos of Appalachia. Life in this part of the country instills practical values — hard work, resilience, community cooperation, and perseverance. Unlike urban environments where success is often tied exclusively to education or social status, in Elkins’ childhood community, respect came from reliability, integrity, and dedication to labor.
This upbringing planted the seeds for his lifelong work ethic and shaped the practical outlook he brought to the railroad industry.
Family Values and Work Ethic
Elkins often credits his family and community for instilling core values that would become central to his leadership: sincerity, responsibility, and a humble yet ambitious spirit. These early lessons had a profound impact on both his personal and professional life, fostering a belief that success is earned, not given.
Military Service and Leadership Discipline
Before beginning his railroad career, Elkins served in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that would deeply influence his leadership style and professional discipline.
United States Marine Corps Experience
Service in the Marine Corps is known for its demanding training and emphasis on mental and physical toughness. It cultivates leadership under pressure, adaptability, commitment to mission, and accountability — all traits that would stay with Elkins throughout his career.
How Military Training Shaped His Career
In the Marine Corps, Elkins learned how to lead by example, stay composed in challenging situations, and make decisions under stress — qualities that transitioned smoothly into both rail operations and executive decision-making later in his career. This early discipline became a foundation for his leadership style.
Education and Academic Foundation
Education played a pivotal role in shaping Elkins’ professional path — particularly because his academic journey wasn’t typical for a railroad executive.
Bachelor’s Degree in English
Elkins began his academic path at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. While an English degree may not seem immediately tied to freight transportation or business management, it provided crucial skills such as critical thinking, strong written and verbal communication, and analytical reasoning — all essential for leadership.
MBA in Port and Maritime Economics
To bridge the gap between liberal arts and the complex world of logistics, Elkins pursued an MBA with a concentration in Port & Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University. This specialized focus gave him deep insights into global transportation networks, trade flows, the economics of freight movement, and supply chain systems — knowledge that would serve him well as he moved into commercial leadership roles.
Executive Education and Continuous Learning
While the core degrees established his academic credentials, Elkins’ commitment to lifelong learning and executive development further reinforced his leadership capabilities (as referenced in competitor articles and executive profiles). Continuous education is a key theme in his philosophy.
Career Beginnings at Norfolk Southern
In 1988, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. began what would become a remarkable multi-decade career at Norfolk Southern Corporation — but not as a business manager.
Starting as a Road Brakeman
Elkins’ first role at Norfolk Southern was as a Road Brakeman, one of the most physically demanding positions in rail transportation. Brakemen work alongside trains, handling switches, inspecting freight cars, coupling and uncoupling cars, and ensuring safe movement of rail rosters.
This job gave Elkins firsthand operational experience, helping him understand the core mechanics of railroad work — knowledge that would inform every leadership decision he made later. It built respect among frontline workers and created a level of credibility few executives can claim.
Advancing Through Operations Roles
Elkins didn’t stay a brakeman for long. Over several years he rose through a series of operational positions that expanded his domain knowledge and leadership skills:
- Conductor — managing train crews and coordinating movements
- Locomotive Engineer — operating train engines and mastering technical systems
- Relief Yardmaster — supervising rail yard operations and organizing freight flow
This progression wasn’t just about promotions — it was an education in how railroads work from the ground up. That experience gave him deep empathy for frontline employees and an authentic understanding of operational realities.
Transition from Operations to Marketing Leadership
After more than a decade in operations, Elkins made a significant shift into intermodal marketing, marking a turning point in his career.
Move into Intermodal Marketing
Intermodal rail refers to the coordinated movement of freight using multiple modes (e.g., ship, rail, truck) in a single journey. It’s fast-growing, data-intensive, and customer-focused — a natural fit for someone with operational knowledge and strategic capabilities.
Over nearly two decades, Elkins built a reputation as a leader who could translate railroad capabilities into commercial success, integrating customer needs with operational excellence.
Building Commercial and Sales Expertise
In this period, he wasn’t just selling rail services — he was reshaping how Norfolk Southern thought about service delivery, customer relationships, and market positioning. This commercial mindset would later inform his executive decisions at the highest levels.
Executive Leadership at Norfolk Southern
Elkins’ transition to senior leadership was steady and strategic, marked by key promotions reflecting his growing responsibilities.
Vice President of Chemicals Marketing (2016)
In 2016, Elkins was appointed Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, overseeing a regulated and safety-critical segment of freight operations. Chemicals transportation demands careful compliance, precise logistics planning, and strong customer relationships — a blend of skills Elkins was uniquely suited for thanks to his operational background.
Vice President of Industrial Products (2018)
Two years later, in 2018, he became Vice President of Industrial Products, expanding his portfolio to include commodities such as metals, construction materials, and other essential goods. This position required significant strategic oversight and commercial planning at a large scale.
Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer (2021)
The pinnacle of his career came in December 2021, when Elkins was named Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern. In this top leadership role, he now leads the company’s major commercial divisions and strategic initiatives.
Responsibilities as Chief Commercial Officer
As CCO, Elkins oversees a broad range of essential business units at Norfolk Southern, including:
Business Divisions Under His Leadership
- Intermodal
- Automotive
- Industrial Products
- Real Estate
- Industrial Development
- Short Line Marketing
- Field Sales
- Customer Logistics
This portfolio places him squarely at the heart of Norfolk Southern’s revenue generation, customer strategy, and commercial direction — a role that demands both operational insight and strategic vision.
Leadership Style and Management Philosophy
Elkins’ leadership philosophy blends discipline, practical experience, and customer focus — a unique combination shaped by his diverse career trajectory.
Ground-Level Leadership Experience
Unlike many executives who rise through corporate ladders without frontline experience, Elkins’ grounding in rail operations gives him empathy for workers and credibility with teams across the organization. This authenticity builds trust and encourages collaboration.
Customer-Centric and Results-Driven
Elkins views leadership through the lens of service reliability, customer value creation, and strategic growth. He believes customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships drive sustainable business outcomes.
Adaptability and Versatility
His ability to move from operations into commercial strategy, and then into executive leadership, demonstrates adaptability — an increasingly important trait in industries facing rapid technological change and market volatility.
Impact on Norfolk Southern and the Rail Industry
Elkins’ influence extends far beyond job titles — his leadership has shaped how the company operates, serves customers, and positions itself for the future.
Improving Operational Efficiency
Under his commercial leadership, Norfolk Southern has streamlined services through strategic planning, improved scheduling, and operational enhancements that support performance improvements.
Emphasis on Safety and Sustainability
Rail transportation is inherently more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than trucking. Under his guidance, Norfolk Southern actively promotes sustainability and helps customers avoid millions of tons of carbon emissions annually — a major selling point in modern supply chains seeking greener solutions.
Customer-First Commercial Strategy
Elkins’ strategy has helped Norfolk Southern pivot from a traditional railroad mindset to a commercially agile, customer-focused organization. This shift has strengthened relationships with major shippers, encouraging tailored service solutions and expanding intermodal and industrial freight segments.
Community and Industry Involvement
Beyond corporate duties, Elkins is actively engaged in leadership roles across industry and community organizations, reinforcing his influence and thought leadership.
- Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, advancing economic policies and business growth initiatives.
- Board Member of the National Association of Manufacturers, shaping manufacturing and transportation interoperability policy.
- Board Member, East Lake Foundation, supporting community development and education efforts.
- Board Member, TTX Company, contributing to railcar equipment strategy across North America.
- Georgia State University Marketing RoundTable member and participant in executive council forums like The Conference Board’s Council for CMOs.
These roles highlight his commitment to industry growth, community investment, and cross-sector collaboration.
Net Worth, Compensation & Financial Overview
As a top executive, Elkins’ compensation reflects his responsibility level and impact at Norfolk Southern.
According to recent compensation data, his total annual compensation for fiscal year 2024 was approximately $3.38 million, including salary, bonus, stock awards, and other incentives — a figure comparable with executive peers in top rail and logistics companies.
Various reports estimate his personal net worth and company stock holdings in the range of $0.5M to several million dollars, with some fluctuations due to market conditions and stock transactions.
Legacy and Lessons from Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s legacy is defined by a combination of perseverance, strategy, humility, and service.
From Brakeman to Executive
His journey proves that titles and leadership roles can be earned from any starting point — even one as humble as a railroad brakeman.
Leadership Beyond Skills
His story shows that leadership isn’t just about credentials — it’s about character, resilience, and the ability to blend operational know-how with strategic foresight.
Lessons for Future Leaders
Aspiring professionals can learn several key lessons from Elkins’ career:
- Perseverance matters as much as skill
- Education enhances opportunity
- Operational experience builds credibility
- Customer relationships drive long-term success
- Leadership is a lifelong journey
Frequently Asked Questions About Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
Q: Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr.?
He is the Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, known for rising through operational roles to executive leadership.
Q: What is his educational background?
He holds a BA in English and an MBA in Port & Maritime Economics.
Q: When did he start his career at Norfolk Southern?
Elkins began as a road brakeman in 1988 before rising through operations and marketing roles.
Q: What are his key responsibilities as CCO?
He oversees Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Short Line Marketing, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics divisions.
Q: What makes his leadership distinctive?
His operational background combined with commercial strategy and customer-focused approach gives him rare credibility at both the frontlines and executive level.
Conclusion
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s story is a powerful testament to how dedication, continuous learning, and practical leadership can shape not only a remarkable career but also influence a major American industry. Rising from hands-on railroad roles to the executive suite of Norfolk Southern, he represents a blend of operational credibility, strategic insight, and customer-centric leadership that modern businesses increasingly value.
His journey inspires professionals across industries — proving that with resilience, flexibility, and vision, it’s possible to transform challenges into opportunities and humble beginnings into leadership legacies.
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