Claude Edward Elkins Jr.: From Brakeman to CCO
Claude Edward Elkins Jr., often known as Ed Elkins, represents one of the most inspiring “craft-to-C-suite” success stories in the American rail industry. His journey began with humble roots and developed into a decades-long career defined by hard work, vision, and leadership. He joined Norfolk Southern Corporation in 1988 as a Road Brakeman after serving in the United States Marine Corps, marking the beginning of his remarkable career.
During his early years at Norfolk Southern, Elkins worked in several ground-level operational roles including Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, and Relief Yardmaster. This front-line experience gave him a deep understanding of railroad operations and set the foundation for his later management roles. His ability to empathize with the workforce and understand every part of the business from the ground up is often cited as one of the keys to his effective leadership style.
Education & Early Professional Development
Born and raised in southwestern Virginia, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. pursued education with the same diligence that defined his professional life. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, highlighting an early appreciation for communication and critical thinking.
Later, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Port & Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University, an education that deepened his understanding of logistics, supply chains, and maritime commerce — all vital elements for a future leader in freight and intermodal operations.
Beyond his formal degrees, Elkins continued his education through executive programs at Harvard Business School, University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, and the University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute. These advanced programs enriched his leadership skills, strategic vision, and ability to innovate in a rapidly evolving transportation environment.
Career Progression at Norfolk Southern
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. has spent over three decades at Norfolk Southern, gradually climbing from entry-level positions to the uppermost executive ranks. His journey through the organization reflects both professional excellence and personal perseverance.
After completing more than twenty years in Intermodal Marketing, Elkins was appointed Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing in 2016. In this role, he demonstrated his capacity for managing key industrial relationships and driving growth in one of the company’s most crucial business segments.
By 2018, he was promoted to Vice President of Industrial Products, where he oversaw product-specific strategies and worked to strengthen Norfolk Southern’s position in core markets. In 2021, his consistent performance and leadership earned him the title of Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).
As CCO, Elkins oversees multiple strategic departments: Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Industrial Development, Short Line Marketing, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics. His broad scope of responsibility places him at the center of Norfolk Southern’s revenue strategy and customer relationships.
Strategic Focus & Leadership Philosophy
Elkins’ leadership style is deeply influenced by his early hands-on experience. Having worked on the ground, he understands the challenges faced by employees and the intricacies of logistics at every level. He is known for promoting teamwork, innovation, and a results-driven mindset.
Under his commercial leadership, Norfolk Southern has placed strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric growth. His educational background in port and maritime economics supports his strategic focus on expanding intermodal networks, optimizing logistics operations, and integrating environmentally responsible practices.
He is widely admired for blending traditional rail expertise with modern business thinking, fostering an organizational culture that values both operational excellence and adaptability in a competitive global market.
Board Roles & External Affiliations
Beyond his day-to-day corporate duties, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. contributes to several boards and professional associations, reflecting his broad influence in the industrial, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, where he helps shape economic and business policies in the region. He also holds board positions with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and TTX Company, which provides key railcar services to North American freight railroads.
Additionally, Elkins participates in the Marketing RoundTable at Georgia State University and is a member of The Conference Board’s Council for Chief Marketing Officers, where he contributes to discussions on innovation, leadership, and strategic marketing across industries.
These affiliations demonstrate his role not just as a corporate leader but also as a thought leader influencing the future of logistics, manufacturing, and transportation.
Challenges, Opportunities & Industry Context
The modern rail industry faces numerous challenges — from evolving labor markets and environmental regulations to the rising expectations of customers demanding faster, greener, and more transparent logistics solutions. Elkins’ decades-long career positions him well to navigate these changes.
His deep understanding of operations allows him to approach strategic decisions with practical insight. At the same time, his marketing and commercial expertise give him the foresight to identify new opportunities in intermodal expansion, real-estate development, and industrial partnerships.
One of the key opportunities under his leadership is the expansion of Norfolk Southern’s intermodal footprint. With his expertise in port and maritime economics, Elkins aims to enhance the company’s efficiency and connectivity between ports, inland terminals, and key manufacturing regions.
The challenge, however, remains in balancing sustainability and profitability — ensuring rail transport continues to be both environmentally friendly and economically viable in a rapidly evolving logistics landscape.
What We Don’t Know (Yet)
While Elkins’ professional journey is well-documented, many aspects of his personal life remain private. His exact date of birth and age are not publicly verified, though industry sources estimate he is in his late fifties.
There is currently no official Wikipedia page dedicated to Claude Edward Elkins Jr., and verified information about his family or spouse has not been publicly disclosed. Though various blogs have speculated about his private life, credible confirmations are unavailable, suggesting that he prefers to keep his personal life separate from his professional achievements.
Key Takeaways for Leadership & Commercial Excellence
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Operational Experience Creates Better Leaders
Starting from the ground level gives executives a firsthand understanding of their workforce and operations — a quality evident throughout Elkins’ career. -
Commitment to Continuous Learning
His combination of an English degree, an MBA, and multiple executive certifications underscores a lifelong dedication to learning. -
Connecting Operations and Market Strategy
As Chief Commercial Officer, Elkins unites the company’s product divisions with its sales and logistics arms, ensuring a seamless alignment between operations and customer needs. -
Industry Collaboration
His participation in national and regional boards reflects the importance of collaboration across the industrial and transportation sectors to drive innovation and policy progress. -
Sustainability with Purpose
Elkins’ leadership promotes environmentally conscious operations, showing that growth and sustainability can coexist through innovation and smart logistics.
What’s Next for Claude Edward Elkins Jr. and Norfolk Southern
Looking forward, Elkins’ leadership is expected to further strengthen Norfolk Southern’s position as one of the nation’s leading freight carriers. His vision likely includes expanding the company’s network of intermodal terminals and industrial development projects, investing in digital transformation, and deepening partnerships with customers and local communities.
By leveraging his blend of operational insight and strategic foresight, he continues to drive Norfolk Southern’s long-term competitiveness while mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. His approach exemplifies how a leader can balance tradition and innovation to shape the future of transportation.
Final Thoughts
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s journey from a brakeman to the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of one of America’s largest rail companies demonstrates the power of perseverance, learning, and visionary leadership. His story is one of commitment, transformation, and excellence — showing how understanding the smallest operational detail can guide decisions at the highest levels of strategy.
His influence on the rail industry will continue to grow as he leads with integrity, vision, and a strong commitment to progress.
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