Claude Edward “Ed” Elkins Jr was born and raised in Southwest Virginia — a region known for its strong working‑class values, resilience, and close‑knit communities. bionewsly.com+1 Early on, his life was shaped by discipline, service, and a pragmatic understanding of hard work — qualities that later became hallmarks of his career. whocanonline.com+1

Before entering the private sector, he served in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that instilled in him leadership, discipline, readiness, and a strong sense of duty. norfolksouthern.mediaroom.com+1

Academically, Elkins took a somewhat unconventional path for a future railroad executive: he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. norfolksouthern.mediaroom.com+1 This liberal‑arts foundation helped build strong communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills — invaluable when dealing with diverse teams, clients, and complex negotiations. whocanonline.com+1

Recognizing the importance of logistics and transportation economics to the rail industry, he later completed an MBA with a concentration in Port & Maritime Economics at Old Dominion University. norfolksouthern.com+1 This education gave him a strategic grasp of supply‑chain dynamics, global trade flows, and the economic underpinnings of freight transport — knowledge that would prove critical as he climbed the corporate ladder. vamaritime.com+1

Beyond degrees, Elkins has reportedly participated in high‑level executive education and leadership development programs (e.g. at business schools or supply‑chain institutes), sharpening his management, strategic planning, and industry‑wide vision. whocanonline.com+1

 Career Journey  From Tracks to the C‑Suite

1988 – Entering the Railroad Industry from the Ground Up

Elkins began his long career at Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) in 1988 as a Road Brakeman — one of the most physically demanding and ground‑level roles in rail operations. norfolksouthern.mediaroom.com+1

Over subsequent years, he progressed through several frontline positions:

• Conductor — managing train operations and crew coordination Ranker Blog+1

• Locomotive Engineer — operating engines, understanding mechanical and safety demands deeply Ranker Blog+1

• Relief Yardmaster — overseeing yard operations, logistics, and managing complex switching tasks Ranker Blog+1

This early operational experience — working “on the ground” — gave him intimate, practical knowledge of how railroads function in reality. It also helped him build empathy and credibility among frontline workers — something many executives lack. Ranker Blog+1

Transition to Marketing & Commercial Roles

After gaining years of operational experience, Elkins moved into the commercial side of the business: Intermodal Marketing. For nearly two decades, he worked to bridge rail freight with ports, trucking, and shipping lines — a strategic and highly complex sector critical to modern supply chains. norfolksouthern.mediaroom.com+1

In 2016, his work earned him the position of Group Vice President – Chemicals Marketing, one of NS’s most sensitive and important business divisions due to regulatory demands, safety standards, and specialized logistics. norfolksouthern.mediaroom.com+1

Two years later, in 2018, he was promoted to Vice President – Industrial Products, expanding his oversight to critical sectors such as metals, agriculture, construction materials, and diverse industrial freight. Western Business+1

These roles required not just technical knowledge of freight handling but strong strategic and customer‑oriented vision — connecting manufacturers, shippers, and global supply‑chain demands to rail‑based solutions. Elkins’ combined operational and academic background proved invaluable. whocanonline.com+1

2021 – Rise to Executive Leadership: CCO of Norfolk Southern

In December 2021, Elkins reached the peak of his professional growth when he was appointed Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Norfolk Southern. norfolksouthern.com+1

In this capacity, he oversees a comprehensive and strategically vital portfolio including:

• Intermodal operations — managing rail + sea + truck freight integration

• Automotive logistics — overseeing vehicle transport and distribution

• Industrial Products division — metals, construction materials, bulk goods

• Real Estate & Industrial Development — land and facility assets

• Short Line Marketing, Field Sales, Customer Logistics — supporting smaller rail partners, direct clients, and logistics solutions norfolksouthern.com+1

This role places him at the center of not only commercial strategy but also supply‑chain management, customer relations, logistics innovation, and long-term industry direction. Equilar People+1

 Leadership Style & Strategic Vision

Ground‑Up Perspective & Empathy

Because he once worked on the tracks — dealing with freight, locomotives, crews, and rail yards — Elkins brings to executive decision‑making a rare first‑hand understanding of operational realities. He knows what it’s like to be on the ground, which helps when setting company-wide standards, safety protocols, and employee policies. Ranker Blog+1

This background fosters trust across ranks — from frontline staff to senior management — making his leadership more authentic, credible, and respected. whocanonline.com+1

Customer‑Centric, Market‑Driven Approach

Elkins emphasizes aligning rail services with customer needs rather than just operational convenience. Under his guidance, NS has aimed to deliver reliability, flexibility, and tailored logistics solutions — critical advantages in a highly competitive freight industry. Ranker Blog+1

His marketing and commercial background, combined with deep operational knowledge, enables him to balance service quality, safety, and profitability in ways that many executives without rail experience can’t. whocanonline.com+1

Emphasis on Sustainability, Efficiency & Industry Evolution

Under Elkins’ tenure, Norfolk Southern has committed to reducing carbon emissions by shifting freight from truck to rail — leveraging rail’s inherent efficiency and lower environmental footprint. norfolksouthern.com+1

He has also reportedly supported modernization efforts: integrating advanced logistics, optimizing intermodal networks, and improving supply‑chain coordination to make rail freight more competitive, resilient, and future‑ready. Ranker Blog+1

Bridging Freight, Industry & Community

Beyond corporate responsibilities, Elkins remains active in broader industrial, economic, and community organizations. This external engagement shows that his vision goes beyond rail — encompassing economic development, manufacturing stability, industry collaboration, and community support. Equilar People+1

 Influence, Industry Roles & Community Engagement

• He serves as Chair (2025) of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce — a leading voice in pro‑business policy and economic growth. norfolksouthern.com+1

• Beyond that, he holds board positions or active roles with organizations like the East Lake Foundation, the National Association of Manufacturers, the TTX Company (which manages railcar pools), and university‑industry roundtables — bridging transportation, manufacturing, logistics, education, and community development. norfolksouthern.mediaroom.com+2Equilar People+2

Through these engagements, Elkins influences not only corporate strategy but also broader economic policy, industrial growth, workforce development, and sustainable logistics solutions across multiple sectors. Ranker Blog+1

 Challenges, Industry Context & Strategic Pressures

Elkins leads at a time of significant shifts in freight transportation and global commerce:

• Supply‑chain volatility: Global disruptions, demand fluctuations, and modal shifts (truck vs rail vs sea) create pressure to maintain reliability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility. Ranker Blog+1

• Environmental and regulatory demands: As pressure increases to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable logistics, railroads must modernize operations and infrastructure — a challenge in a legacy industry. norfolksouthern.com+1

• Competition from other freight modes: Trucking, air freight, and maritime shipping all compete for share, requiring rail companies to offer superior service, pricing, and integrated logistics. whocanonline.com+1

• Balancing growth with safety and operational integrity: As demand for freight services rises, Elkins must ensure that expansion doesn’t compromise safety, employee welfare, or regulatory compliance — a delicate balancing act that few executives manage well.

That Elkins carries this burden while still pushing forward modernization, customer focus, and sustainability speaks to his capability and resilience. bionewsly.com+1

 Legacy, Significance & What Makes His Story Stand Out

Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s career is remarkable not just for its duration or seniority — but for the arc of transformation: from a ground-level brakeman to Chief Commercial Officer of one of America’s largest railroads. This journey demonstrates:

• That hard work, commitment, and adaptability can lead to the highest echelons, regardless of starting point.

• The value of combining operational experience with strategic business education — giving leaders real-world empathy, technical understanding, and market insight.

• A leadership philosophy grounded in customer‑centrism, integrity, sustainability, and long-term vision — qualities essential for modern corporate leadership in traditional industries.

• The importance of industry-wide engagement — by participating in commerce chambers, manufacturing associations, and community foundations, Elkins exemplifies how corporate leaders can influence economic policy, community growth, and industrial innovation beyond their company walls.

In sectors like freight, logistics, and railroads — often perceived as rigid or old‑fashioned — leaders like Elkins show that modernization, adaptive strategy, and human‑centered leadership can still thrive and drive meaningful progress.

 Key Facts & Quick Reference