In 1988, Claude “Ed” Elkins Jr. was walking the ballast as a Road Brakeman. He wasn’t sitting in a boardroom reviewing spreadsheets; he was on the ground, dealing with the physical realities of moving freight across the American landscape.

Fast forward to 2026, and that same former brakeman is now the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of North America’s premier Class I railroads.

This trajectory—from the locomotive cab to the C-suite—is rare in modern corporate America. Yet, in the logistics sector, it provides a critical advantage. As supply chains face unprecedented pressure, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. relies on a leadership style forged by three decades of operational grit and United States Marine Corps discipline.

This profile explores Elkins’ strategic impact on the US rail industry, his pivotal role in Georgia’s 2025 economic agenda, and his vision for a seamless, transcontinental freight network.

From the Tracks to the Boardroom: A 35-Year Trajectory

Most executive biographies start with an MBA. Elkins’ story starts on the tracks. His career path offers a case study in vertical mobility within the industrial sector.

Ground-Level Operations (1988–2000s)

Between 1988 and the early 2000s, Elkins held roles that form the backbone of railroad operations. He served as a locomotive engineer, road brakeman, and relief yardmaster.

Why does this matter to a logistics manager in 2026?

Because rail logistics is not theoretical. It involves heavy machinery, strict timetables, and complex “first-mile/last-mile” coordination. An executive who has physically coupled cars and managed yard switching understands the friction points in a supply chain better than one who has only analyzed them on a dashboard.

Industry Insight: When Elkins discusses “dwell time” or “velocity” in investor meetings, he is referencing metrics he once physically influenced in the yard. This operational literacy builds immense trust with shipping partners who need realistic, executable solutions.

The Marketing Pivot: Intermodal and Industrial Products

Elkins eventually transitioned from operations to the commercial side of the business. He served as Vice President of Industrial Products, where he managed key commodities like chemicals, agriculture, and metals.

According to Norfolk Southern’s official corporate governance records, his success in these roles led to his appointment as CMO in 2021. In this capacity, he now oversees the Intermodal, Automotive, and Industrial Products divisions—the three engines driving the railroad’s revenue.

[Norfolk Southern Executive Bios]

Claude Edward Elkins Jr. at the Helm: Driving Growth

As EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Elkins is responsible for the railroad’s top-line revenue. His tenure has been defined by a shift toward “smart growth”—focusing on high-value freight and industrial development.

Driving the $7.7 Billion Industrial Pipeline

In 2025, Norfolk Southern reported a robust pipeline of industrial development projects. Under Elkins’ commercial leadership, the company assisted 62 businesses in opening or expanding their facilities along the rail network.

These projects represent a committed investment of $3.1 billion by customer companies and the creation of over 4,150 new jobs.

This strategy focuses on “turnkey sites”—locations pre-approved for rail access. By reducing the friction for manufacturers to set up shop, Elkins ensures that Norfolk Southern isn’t just moving goods, but actively generating new freight volume at the source.

The Vision for a Transcontinental Future

The US logistics map is changing. Shippers increasingly demand “single-line service”—the ability to move a container from Los Angeles to Atlanta without switching railroads or dealing with complex interchanges.

Elkins has been a vocal proponent of strategies that unify the North American rail network. Whether through strategic partnerships or advocating for broader consolidation (such as the discussions surrounding the 2025 industry merger proposals), his focus remains on competing directly with long-haul trucking.

By leveraging rail’s cost effectiveness and lower carbon footprint, he positions the railroad as the backbone of the modern American supply chain.

[The Future of Intermodal Shipping in the USA]

Civic Impact: The “Georgia Way” and Chamber Leadership

Beyond the tracks, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is a central figure in Georgia’s business community. His leadership style aligns with the “Georgia Way”—a collaborative approach between private business and public policy.

Chairing the Georgia Chamber of Commerce

In 2025, Elkins served as the Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. His tenure focused on three critical pillars:

• Legal Reform: Advocating for a balanced civil justice system to reduce the “tort tax” on businesses.

• Infrastructure: Ensuring the state’s logistics network can handle the influx of activity from the Port of Savannah.

• Workforce Readiness: Preparing the next generation of workers for high-tech industrial roles.

During the Chamber’s 2025 “Eggs & Issues” breakfast, a premier legislative event, Elkins emphasized that economic health relies on predictability—both in the courtroom and on the rails.

[Georgia Chamber of Commerce 2025 Board]

The Foundation of Discipline: USMC and Academic Background

Two major influences shape Elkins’ professional demeanor: the military and academia.

Military Service as a Leadership Catalyst

Elkins is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. The military emphasis on chain of command, safety protocols, and mission execution translates directly to the railroad industry, where safety is the paramount operational value.

In an industry where a single error can lead to catastrophic derailments, the discipline instilled by the USMC is a tangible asset. It reinforces a culture of compliance and precision that Elkins demands from his commercial teams.

Academic Excellence

While he started as a brakeman, Elkins backed his operational experience with rigorous education:

• Bachelor of Arts (English): University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

• MBA (Port & Maritime Economics): Old Dominion University.

• Executive Education: Completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.

This combination of liberal arts communication skills and technical maritime economics allows him to bridge the gap between complex logistical data and clear corporate strategy.

Boards and Professional Affiliations

Claude Edward Elkins Jr. extends his influence through several key board memberships, ensuring the rail industry has a voice in broader manufacturing and economic discussions:

• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): Board Member.

• TTX Company: Board of Directors (TTX manages the railcar pooling for North American railroads).

• Georgia State University: Member of the Marketing RoundTable.

• North American Rail Shippers Association: Active representative.

Conclusion

The career of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. serves as a blueprint for modern industrial leadership. He bridges the gap between the “old economy” of steel wheels on steel rails and the “new economy” of data-driven supply chain resilience.

By combining the tactical knowledge of a former road brakeman with the strategic foresight of a Fortune 500 EVP, Elkins is positioning Norfolk Southern to lead the logistics sector well into the 2030s. For shippers and stakeholders, his presence signals a commitment to operational reality, economic growth, and the disciplined execution of long-term goals.

FAQs

What is Ed Elkins’ current role at Norfolk Southern?

Ed Elkins serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). He was appointed to this role in 2021.

How did Claude Edward Elkins Jr. start his career?

He began his career in 1988 as a Road Brakeman. Over the years, he worked as a locomotive engineer and conductor before moving into management.

What is the “Georgia Way” that Elkins advocates for?

It refers to a collaborative relationship between government and business in Georgia, focusing on pro-growth policies, tort reform, and infrastructure investment.

Where did Ed Elkins attend college?

He holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and an MBA from Old Dominion University.

Is Ed Elkins a military veteran?

Yes, he is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

What boards does Claude E. Elkins Jr. serve on?

He serves on the boards of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the TTX Company, among others.

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