Claude edward elkins jr
August 20, 2025 
The story of Claude Edward Elkins Jr is one of resilience, dedication, and vision. From working as a Road Brakeman to becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, his career shows how determination and adaptability can shape a leader in one of America’s most important industries. His rise is not just about personal achievement but also about navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern rail system.
Early Life and Education
Claude Edward Elkins Jr grew up in Southwest Virginia, surrounded by working-class values that shaped his outlook on life. He began his professional journey in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed discipline and leadership skills. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, followed by an MBA in Port and Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University. These academic foundations equipped him with both communication expertise and a deep understanding of transportation and logistics.
Starting Out in Railroad Operations
In 1988, Claude Edward Elkins Jr began his career with Norfolk Southern as a Road Brakeman. This physically demanding job gave him firsthand experience with the challenges faced by frontline workers. Over time, he advanced through various roles including Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, and Relief Yardmaster. These experiences built his operational knowledge and created a leadership style grounded in real-world understanding.
Moving Into Marketing and Commercial Leadership
After years in operations, Elkins transitioned into Intermodal Marketing, marking the beginning of his corporate leadership path. For more than two decades, he focused on customer-driven solutions and the expansion of intermodal services. In 2016, he became Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, followed by his promotion in 2018 to Vice President of Industrial Products, where he oversaw transportation of key commodities like metals and construction materials.
Executive Leadership as Chief Commercial Officer
By 2021, Claude Edward Elkins Jr was named Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern. In this senior role, he oversees Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics. His focus is on service reliability, expanding customer solutions, and ensuring sustainable growth. He also plays a key role in navigating supply chain disruptions and aligning business operations with long-term strategies.
Industry and Community Roles
Beyond his executive position, Elkins is active in industry organizations and community development. He is Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and serves on boards such as the East Lake Foundation, the National Association of Manufacturers, TTX Company, and the Georgia State University Marketing RoundTable. His involvement reflects his commitment not only to the rail industry but also to education and economic growth.
Achievements and Challenges
The career of Claude Edward Elkins Jr highlights achievements like expanding customer networks, improving operational efficiency, and driving innovation in freight marketing. However, he also faces industry challenges including market competition, economic shifts, and the need to balance sustainability with profitability. His leadership has shown resilience and adaptability in handling these pressures.
Recognition and Compensation
As one of the top executives in the rail industry, Elkins is recognized for his leadership and strategic vision. His compensation package reflects the scale of his responsibilities, overseeing divisions that generate billions in revenue. His reputation in the transportation sector continues to grow, built on decades of hands-on experience and forward-looking strategies.
Conclusion
The journey of Claude Edward Elkins Jr from the rail yard to the boardroom is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and vision. His career shows how hard work, academic achievement, and real-world experience can come together to build a leader who influences not just a company but an entire industry. His story offers inspiration for anyone seeking to grow from humble beginnings into positions of significant impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?
A1: He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern, responsible for multiple divisions including Intermodal, Automotive, and Industrial Products.
Q2: When did he begin his career with Norfolk Southern?
A2: He started in 1988 as a Road Brakeman before moving into other operational and leadership roles.
Q3: What is his educational background?
A3: He holds a BA in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and an MBA in Port and Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University.
Q4: What boards does he serve on?
A4: He serves as Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and is on boards including the East Lake Foundation, National Association of Manufacturers, TTX Company, and others.
Q5: What are his responsibilities as Chief Commercial Officer?
A5: He oversees divisions such as Intermodal, Automotive, Real Estate, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics, ensuring growth, service reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global. She is a bestselling author of 15 books, including Thrive and The Sleep Revolution. Recognized by Time and Forbes among the most influential women, Arianna is a global voice on media, business, and wellbeing.