Claude Edward Elkins Jr stands out as an influential and respected leader in the freight rail industry. From his early days as a brakeman to his current role as Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, Elkins’s story is one of persistence, humility, and vision. His journey highlights the power of hard work, continuous learning, and leadership grounded in real-world experience.
Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?
Claude Edward Elkins Jr, widely known as Ed Elkins, is a senior executive in the rail transportation industry. Currently serving as the Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, he oversees major business operations, including intermodal, industrial, automotive, real estate, and customer logistics. His leadership is known for combining operational experience, strategic thinking, and a customer-first approach. Elkins’s career spans over three decades, beginning with entry-level positions and rising to top management roles through dedication, continuous learning, and hands-on experience.
Biography Table
| Information | Details |
| Full Name | Claude Edward Elkins Jr |
| Popular Name | Ed Elkins |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Place of Birth | Southwest Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | BA in English, MBA in Port & Maritime Economics, Executive Programs at Harvard, UVA Darden, University of Tennessee |
| Occupation | Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Norfolk Southern |
| Years Active | 1988 – Present |
| Industry | Rail Transportation |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | Yes (2 children) |
Early Life and Foundations
Claude Edward Elkins Jr grew up in Southwest Virginia, a region known for its strong work ethic and rugged environment. His upbringing instilled discipline, responsibility, and determination, values that guided his career.
Before entering the rail industry, Elkins served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he learned the importance of teamwork, resilience, and leadership under pressure. These lessons became central to his management style.
Elkins pursued higher education with a focus on both communication and logistics. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and an MBA in Port & Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University. To stay ahead in a changing industry, he also attended executive programs at Harvard Business School, UVA Darden, and the University of Tennessee.
Claude Edward Family Background
Claude Edward Elkins Jr values family deeply. While he keeps his parents’ details private, it is known that their guidance shaped his strong work ethic and moral compass. He grew up with siblings, which taught him cooperation and teamwork, qualities that would later influence his leadership style.
He is married and has two children, and he prioritizes maintaining close family ties despite his demanding career. His family support has been integral to his professional success, providing stability and perspective.
Starting on the Ground: From Brakeman to Yardmaster
Elkins began his career at Norfolk Southern in 1988 as a road brakeman, a challenging entry-level position that involved physically demanding work in all weather conditions. Through dedication and perseverance, he moved into roles like conductor, locomotive engineer, and yardmaster, gaining firsthand experience of daily railroad operations.
This early exposure gave him deep operational insight, allowing him to make informed, realistic decisions when he later transitioned into executive leadership.
Transition to Commercial Leadership
After years in operations, Elkins moved into intermodal marketing, focusing on building customer relationships and understanding the interaction between rail and other transportation modes. His work helped Norfolk Southern improve service reliability and efficiency.
He later held positions as Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing and Vice President of Industrial Products, overseeing complex sectors such as chemicals, metals, and construction materials. These roles strengthened his commercial and strategic skills, preparing him for executive leadership.
Executive Leadership at Norfolk Southern
In December 2021, Elkins became Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Norfolk Southern. He now oversees key business divisions, including intermodal, automotive, industrial products, real estate development, and customer logistics.
As CCO, Elkins focuses on growth, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and strategic development, guiding Norfolk Southern through the challenges of a dynamic transportation industry.
Leadership in Today’s Rail Industry
Elkins combines operational expertise with strategic vision. Under his leadership:
- Norfolk Southern has improved safety and reliability, reducing mainline accidents by approximately 40%.
- The company has implemented AI-powered inspections, allowing proactive maintenance.
- Operational speeds have increased: merchandise trains by 11% and unit trains by 17% in 2024.
He also champions sustainable transportation, helping customers avoid around 15 million tons of CO₂ emissions each year through rail shipments instead of road transport. His initiatives link rail operations with environmental responsibility and community development.
Leadership Style
Elkins’s leadership is known for being humble, practical, and customer-focused. His key traits include:
- Humility: Experience in ground-level roles earns respect from employees.
- Customer-First Approach: Marketing background ensures services meet client needs.
- Disciplined & Data-Driven: Military training and analytics guide his decision-making.
- Visionary Thinking: Balances immediate operational needs with long-term strategic investments.
He also engages in broader industry leadership as vice chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. He serves on boards such as TTX Company and the National Association of Manufacturers, influencing the broader logistics and manufacturing sectors.
Personal Life and Social Media
Elkins maintains a private personal life. While he is not active on social media, he communicates insights and company updates through Norfolk Southern’s official channels. He focuses on work-life balance, family, and mentoring future leaders.
Net Worth
Claude Edward Elkins Jr has not publicly disclosed his net worth. However, given his decades-long career and executive-level positions, he likely enjoys significant financial stability. His focus remains on leadership, operational excellence, and industry impact rather than personal wealth.
Why His Story Matters
Elkins’s journey offers lessons for anyone interested in leadership or career growth:
- Career Inspiration: Starting from a physically demanding, entry-level job does not limit potential.
- Operational Credibility: Leadership grounded in experience ensures realistic and effective decision-making.
- Sustainability Focus: He integrates environmentally responsible practices into business strategy.
- Customer-Centric Innovation: Demonstrates that growth and service excellence can coexist.
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FAQs
Q1: Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?
A: He is the Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, overseeing key divisions like intermodal, automotive, and industrial products.
Q2: How did he start his career?
A: He began as a road brakeman in 1988 and progressed through roles like conductor, locomotive engineer, and yardmaster before moving into marketing.
Q3: What is his educational background?
A: He has a BA in English (University of Virginia’s College at Wise), an MBA in Port & Maritime Economics (Old Dominion University), and attended executive programs at Harvard, UVA Darden, and the University of Tennessee.
Q4: What are his key leadership achievements?
A: Elkins improved safety, reduced accidents, increased operational speeds, implemented AI inspections, and guided significant industrial development projects.
Q5: Why is his journey inspiring?
A: His story shows how dedication, continuous learning, and customer-focused leadership can lead to success from the ground level to executive leadership.
Conclusion
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s rise from a brakeman in 1988 to Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern is an inspiring tale of hard work, resilience, and strategic vision. His career demonstrates that starting small, learning continuously, and leading with both humility and insight can produce exceptional results.
Elkins serves as a role model for anyone seeking to combine operational experience, leadership, and long-term impact proving that great leaders grow from experience, vision, and a commitment to service.