By admin 
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is a distinguished business leader and veteran railroad executive best known for his role as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of the United States’ largest freight railroads. His career journey—from hands‑on railroad operations to strategic commercial leadership—illustrates resilience, adaptability, and commitment. Today, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is respected not only for his operational acumen but also for his leadership vision that balances safety, sustainability, and customer‑centric growth.
Early Life and Foundations of Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
Understanding the early life of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. helps explain his grounded leadership style and work ethic.
Growing Up and Educational Background
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. grew up in Southwest Virginia, where a strong work ethic took root early in his life. He pursued higher education at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English—a foundation that equipped him with excellent communication and analytical skills. He further advanced his expertise by earning an MBA with a concentration in Port and Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University, giving him deep insight into logistics and global transportation economics.
Elkins continued his professional development through executive programs at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, UVA’s Darden School of Business, and the University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute, sharpening his strategic leadership capabilities.
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s Start in the Railroad Industry
The career of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. began in a role far from the executive suite—providing him with an invaluable foundation.
From Brakeman to Comprehensive Railroad Expertise
In 1988, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. started working for Norfolk Southern as a road brakeman, one of the most physically demanding and high‑risk roles in railroading. This position required him to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and ensure the safe movement of freight trains.
Over subsequent years, Elkins advanced through a series of operational roles such as conductor, locomotive engineer, and relief yardmaster. These experiences gave him hands‑on knowledge of railroad operations and a deep appreciation for the workforce that keeps freight moving across the country.
This unique bottom‑up journey helped shape his leadership philosophy—one centered on operational understanding and empathy for frontline workers.
Transition to Commercial Leadership and Corporate Roles Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
After mastering field operations, Claude Ed ward Elkins Jr. transitioned into roles that connected operations with business strategy.
Intermodal Marketing and Expansion of Expertise Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
Elkins moved into intermodal marketing, where he spent nearly two decades building customer‑focused freight solutions that linked rail with trucking and shipping sectors. His operational background allowed him to bridge functional and strategic gaps, earning him a reputation as a versatile and reliable leader.
Executive Roles and Strategic Growth Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
In 2016, he was appointed Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, overseeing a critical and highly regulated freight segment. In 2018, he became Vice President of Industrial Products, managing freight for metals, construction materials, and forest products—each a key part of the American economy.
These roles set the stage for his elevation to executive leadership, demonstrating his ability to combine operational knowledge with commercial strategy.
Leadership as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
The executive leadership of Claude Ed ward Elkins Jr. represents the pinnacle of his decades‑long career.
Role and Responsibilities at Norfolk Southern
In December 2021, Claude Ed ward Elkins Jr. was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, placing him among the company’s top leaders. In this capacity, he oversees several major business units, including Intermodal, Automotive, and Industrial Products, as well as divisions such as Real Estate, Industrial Development, Short Line Marketing, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics.
His responsibilities include driving revenue growth, strengthening customer relationships, and aligning commercial strategy with operational excellence in a highly competitive transportation landscape.
Strategic Vision and Leadership Style
Elkins’s leadership philosophy emphasizes safety, innovation, and people‑centered management. His ability to balance operational efficiency with commercial demand has helped Norfolk Southern strengthen its presence in key freight markets while maintaining a focus on sustainable growth.
He advocates for modernizing logistics operations through technology, data analytics, and improved customer service, ensuring the company remains competitive in an evolving supply chain environment.
Industry and Community Roles Beyond Norfolk Southern
The influence of Claude Edw ard Elkins Jr. extends beyond corporate leadership.
Board Memberships and Industry Engagement
Elkins serves as Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and holds board positions with the National Association of Manufacturers, the East Lake Foundation, and TTX Company. These roles demonstrate his commitment to broader business advocacy, workforce development, and sustainable economic growth.
He’s also involved in councils and roundtables focused on marketing and supply chain strategy, contributing to broader industry discussions on logistics, transportation, and economic development.
Challenges and Industry Context
Despite his accomplishments, Claude Edw ard Elkins Jr. operates in an industry marked by ongoing pressures.
Navigating a Dynamic Railroad Environment
The railroad industry faces challenges such as fluctuating fuel prices, workforce transitions, supply chain disruptions, and environmental regulations. Elkins’s operational experience has helped him balance safety and efficiency while adapting to market shifts and customer expectations.
His leadership during periods of economic uncertainty underscores the importance of resilience and strategic foresight in the transportation sector.
Legacy and Impact
The story of Claude Edw ard Elkins Jr. is an inspirational example of how hands‑on experience and strategic insight can shape leadership success.
A Leader Who Knows the Business Inside Out
Rising from frontline rail operations to the executive suite, Elkins embodies a rare combination of technical understanding and commercial vision. His career path serves as a model for professionals aspiring to leadership roles in logistics and transportation.
His influence on industry practices, customer relations, and workforce engagement reflects a leadership style grounded in both empathy and strategic ambition.