Claude Edward Elkins Jr — often known simply as Ed Elkins — is a seasoned American business leader currently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of the United States’ largest freight rail companies. What sets Elkins apart is his remarkable journey from a hands‑on railroad worker to the executive suite — a path that blends frontline experience with strategic leadership. This article provides a comprehensive, fact‑based look at his early life, career progression, key accomplishments, and broader influence in the transportation industry.

Early Life & Education

Claude Edward “Ed” Elkins Jr grew up in Southwest Virginia, where hard work and resilience were cornerstones of daily life. Though many leaders begin their careers in management programs, Elkins chose a path grounded in real‑world experience.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in English — University of Virginia’s College at Wise

• MBA in Port & Maritime Economics — Old Dominion University
  His background in English helped him sharpen communication and critical thinking skills, while his MBA prepared him for complex logistics and commercial strategy roles.

Elkins further strengthened his executive capabilities through advanced leadership development programs at institutions like Harvard Business School, UVA Darden School of Business, and the University of Tennessee’s Supply Chain Institute, highlighting a lifelong commitment to learning and strategic growth.

Military Service & Early Career

Before joining the rail industry, Elkins served in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed discipline, leadership, and a strong work ethic — traits that would shape the rest of his career.

In 1988, he began his rail industry journey at Norfolk Southern as a Road Brakeman, one of the most physically demanding and safety‑critical roles on the railroad. Over time, he held operational positions such as Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, and Relief Yardmaster. These experiences gave him a rare, bottom‑up understanding of freight operations — knowledge that would later inform his leadership decisions at the executive level.

Career Progression at Norfolk Southern

Elkins transitioned from operations into commercial and marketing functions, where he spent nearly two decades building customer‑focused logistics strategies. His deep operational insight and academic training helped him bridge gaps between frontline challenges and customer needs.

Key Milestones

• 2016 — Appointed Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, overseeing transportation of chemicals and related freight services.

• 2018 — Promoted to Vice President of Industrial Products, managing a broader portfolio of industrial freight services.

• 2021 — Elevated to Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), leading Norfolk Southern’s commercial strategy and divisions, including Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Industrial Development, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics.

This rise from entry‑level railroad worker to C‑suite executive is rare in today’s corporate world and underscores Elkins’ unique blend of strategic vision and operational understanding.

Leadership Style & Impact

Elkins’s leadership reflects a combination of hands‑on experience and strategic foresight. By drawing on his frontline knowledge, he emphasizes operational reliability, customer‑centric innovation, and long‑term commercial growth.

Under his guidance, Norfolk Southern has focused on strengthening intermodal freight systems — the integrated movement of containers between rail, truck, and ports — which is critical to modern supply chains. His work with logistics optimization, sustainable practices, and customer engagement has helped the company remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry landscape.

Industry & Community Engagement

Outside of Norfolk Southern, Elkins is active in both business advocacy and community leadership:

• Vice Chair — Georgia Chamber of Commerce (set to serve as Chair in 2025)

• Board Member — National Association of Manufacturers

• Board Member — East Lake Foundation

• Board Member — TTX Company

• Member — Georgia State University Marketing Roundtable and The Conference Board’s Council for CMOs

These roles reflect his commitment to economic development, industry collaboration, and leadership beyond corporate walls.

Legacy & Influence

Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s story is a compelling example of perseverance, strategic growth, and leadership rooted in real‑world experience. He represents a rare executive journey — one that begins in operational labor and culminates in masterminding commercial strategy for a Fortune 500 company. His broader influence includes contributions to industry dialogue, community development, and best practices in modern logistics.

Quick Facts

FAQs

Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?
Claude Edward Elkins Jr is the Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, known for progressing from railroad operations to executive leadership.

What education does he have?
He holds a BA in English and an MBA in Port & Maritime Economics, along with executive education from top business schools.

Where did he start his career?
Elkins began as a Road Brakeman at Norfolk Southern in 1988 after serving in the Marine Corps. n

What divisions does he oversee at Norfolk Southern?
He leads multiple commercial divisions, including Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, and Logistics.

What leadership roles outside Norfolk Southern does he hold?
He is Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and serves on multiple boards, including the National Association of Manufacturers and TTX Company.

Conclusion

Claude Edward Elkins Jr embodies a leadership journey that bridges hard‑earned operational experience with high‑level commercial strategy. His rise through Norfolk Southern’s ranks underscores a commitment to hard work, lifelong learning, and customer‑centric leadership. Whether overseeing critical freight divisions or shaping industry discourse, Elkins continues to influence the future of rail transportation and logistics.

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