Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s journey from humble beginnings to executive leadership is a testament to the power of determination, education, and resilience. Unlike many corporate leaders who rise quickly through the ranks, Elkins started from the ground level in the railroad industry, performing tough, hands-on work as a brakeman. Over time, he transitioned through various operational, marketing, and leadership roles, ultimately becoming the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, one of the largest railroads in the United States.
This article delves into his inspiring life—from his early upbringing and military service to his education, professional path, leadership style, and industry impact. Through exploring these elements, we can not only celebrate his personal achievements but also learn valuable lessons from his career that can guide future professionals.
Early Life and Background
The journey of every leader begins with the roots that shape their character, and for Claude Edward Elkins Jr., his early life in Southwest Virginia provided the foundation for the person he would become. Growing up in a region where the railroad, coal, and agriculture industries played a critical role, Elkins developed an early appreciation for industries that demanded both physical endurance and mental resilience. His upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of community and a deep understanding of the hard work required to keep essential industries moving forward.
Family and Community Influence
Family and community have a powerful impact on shaping one’s values, and this was certainly the case for Claude Edward Elkins Jr. Raised in a small Appalachian community, he learned early on that individuals were valued not just by their wealth or position, but by their honesty, work ethic, and reliability. These foundational cultural traits had a lasting impact on Elkins and can be traced throughout his career. His reputation for humility, respect toward others, and a strong moral compass is directly linked to the values ingrained in him during these formative years.
Service in the United States Marine Corps
Another pivotal chapter in Elkins’ early life was his decision to serve in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps is known for instilling qualities such as resilience, courage, commitment, and leadership—values that aligned closely with Elkins’ upbringing and character. His time in the Marines not only provided him with the physical discipline necessary for a demanding career but also helped develop the mental toughness required for leadership. The training and experience gained through military service became integral to his personal growth and would serve as a cornerstone of his professional identity.
Transition to Railroads
After his military service, Elkins entered the workforce with a robust set of values: discipline, integrity, and responsibility. These qualities would prepare him well for his demanding career in the railroad industry, where he began as a brakeman—a physically taxing job that required focus and reliability. It was in this environment that Elkins developed a deep appreciation for hard work and teamwork. His work ethic, forged through family influence and military service, would propel him upward through the ranks, from operational positions to marketing and leadership roles.
Elkins’ journey through the various facets of the railroad industry gave him a well-rounded understanding of the business, allowing him to provide exceptional leadership later on. His rise to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern was marked by his ability to blend his hands-on experience with strategic insight, making him an invaluable leader within the company.
Leadership Style and Industry Impact
Elkins’ leadership style is deeply rooted in the lessons learned during his early life and military service. His emphasis on integrity, commitment, and humility influenced his approach to leadership and decision-making. His ability to lead with respect, understand the nuances of the operational and commercial sides of the railroad business, and drive innovation has left a lasting impact on the railroad industry.
Under his leadership, Norfolk Southern became a more forward-thinking company, adapting to technological changes and new industry challenges while still maintaining the core values of reliability and service. His ability to guide the company through times of growth and transformation speaks to the value of combining hands-on experience with visionary leadership.
Education: Building Knowledge and Leadership Capacity
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s life and career journey is a compelling example of how education, practical experience, and leadership skills can propel an individual from humble beginnings to the top of corporate leadership. His combination of hands-on experience in the railroad industry, a solid educational background, and a consistent focus on leadership development helped him rise from a brakeman to the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Norfolk Southern, one of the largest railroads in the United States.
Education: Building a Strong Foundation
Education played a pivotal role in shaping Claude Edward Elkins Jr. into the effective and strategic leader he became. His academic journey reflects a unique combination of communication, business, and industry-focused learning that complemented his practical experiences in the railroad industry.
Undergraduate Studies in English
Claude began his academic path with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. While an English degree might seem unexpected for a future executive in the railroad industry, it provided him with crucial communication and critical thinking skills. In leadership roles, the ability to articulate vision, understand diverse perspectives, and negotiate effectively is essential—skills that are often strengthened by studying language and literature. These capabilities became indispensable for Elkins as he transitioned into marketing and executive roles later in his career.
Graduate Business Education
After completing his undergraduate studies, Claude pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Port and Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University. This was a strategic decision, aligning his education with the core elements of the railroad industry—logistics, ports, and transportation economics. His MBA helped him understand the intricacies of supply chains, global trade, and the evolving challenges facing transportation companies. This background prepared him for commercial leadership roles and allowed him to approach operational challenges with a strategic mindset.
Executive Development Programs
In addition to his formal degrees, Claude participated in several executive education programs at prestigious institutions, including Harvard Business School, UVA’s Darden School of Business, and the University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute. These advanced programs helped refine his leadership skills, broaden his professional network, and keep him up-to-date on the latest trends in supply chain management and business strategy. The combination of communication, business education, and executive training gave him the tools to lead confidently and competently throughout his career.
Career Path: From Brakeman to Executive Leadership
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s career is a true testament to resilience, education, and adaptability. Unlike many corporate leaders who begin their careers in internships or management positions, Elkins started in one of the most physically demanding roles within the rail industry: a brakeman. His journey from ground-level operations to the executive suite is an inspiring example of how hands-on experience and perseverance can lead to transformative leadership.
Early Operational Roles at Norfolk Southern
In 1988, Elkins began his career at Norfolk Southern as a road brakeman, a role that involved physically demanding tasks such as coupling and uncoupling train cars, handling signals, and coordinating with engineers and conductors to ensure safe and smooth train movements. This entry-level position gave him a firsthand understanding of how railroads function and the vital importance of operational efficiency and safety. The long hours and challenging work conditions helped him develop a deep respect for the people working on the frontlines.
Elkins progressed through various operational roles, including conductor, locomotive engineer, and relief yardmaster. These positions expanded his technical expertise and allowed him to see the bigger picture of railroad operations. His experience as a conductor, where he managed train crews and schedules, and as a locomotive engineer, where he oversaw the movement of trains, provided him with a holistic understanding of how the company’s operations worked, helping him make informed decisions later in his career.
Transition into Marketing and Commercial Leadership
After several years in operational roles, Elkins made a significant shift into marketing and commercial leadership. This career transition marked a turning point, as it allowed him to combine his deep operational knowledge with his academic training in business and economics. His first major commercial assignment was in intermodal marketing, where he worked to strengthen Norfolk Southern’s role in connecting rail transport with trucking and shipping. This role required him to think beyond the technical side of logistics and understand the customer-facing aspects of the business.
In 2016, Elkins was promoted to Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, where he managed one of the railroad’s most important divisions. His ability to handle complex logistics, manage customer relationships, and meet safety standards demonstrated his growth as a leader. In 2018, he became Vice President of Industrial Products, overseeing sectors like metals, agriculture, and construction materials—all critical components of national economic growth.
Executive Leadership and Appointment as CCO
The culmination of Elkins’ journey came in 2021, when he was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Norfolk Southern. In this role, Elkins oversees a broad portfolio, including Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Short Line Marketing, and Customer Logistics. As CCO, he is tasked with ensuring Norfolk Southern’s competitiveness in a dynamic transportation landscape, balancing operational efficiency with customer satisfaction.
His leadership is essential in navigating challenges like supply chain disruptions, environmental regulations, and competition from alternative modes of transportation. Elkins’ experience—from ground-level operations to high-level leadership—positions him uniquely to understand both the frontline struggles and the strategic needs of the company, making him an effective leader in an ever-evolving industry.
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Leadership Style and Traits of Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
Behind every successful executive is a leadership philosophy that drives how they inspire teams, build trust, and achieve results. For Claude Edward Elkins Jr., his leadership style is shaped by a unique journey that began at the grassroots level of the railroad industry and eventually led to senior executive positions. Unlike many leaders who rely primarily on theoretical knowledge, his leadership reflects a blend of practical operational experience, business acumen, and personal values honed through military service. This combination makes him not only highly effective but also relatable to employees at all levels, earning him respect from both his peers and industry leaders.
Ground-Level Understanding of Operations
One of the most defining aspects of Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s leadership is his profound understanding of frontline operations. Having started his career as a brakeman, and worked his way up to conductor, locomotive engineer, and yardmaster, Elkins has experienced firsthand the challenges faced by employees on the ground. This unique perspective allows him to empathize with workers, helping him consider their concerns when making decisions that affect the organization.
Leaders who have ascended to executive roles without this operational experience often struggle to connect with frontline teams. However, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. stands apart because he has lived those experiences. He is well aware of the demands and complexities of the roles that employees face, and this understanding allows him to lead with authenticity. It also enables him to craft more realistic and effective policies, balancing strategic goals with what is actually feasible on the ground.
Empathy and Practicality in Leadership
Elkins’ ability to connect with employees and understand their needs makes him a trusted leader. His leadership is not only about achieving corporate goals, but also about ensuring that those working at every level of the organization are supported and valued. This empathy drives trust and fosters a positive work environment where employees feel heard and respected. At the same time, his experience enables him to make decisions that are both strategically sound and practically achievable, making him a leader who bridges the gap between top-level objectives and on-the-ground realities.
By blending his practical operational knowledge with strategic insight, Elkins demonstrates that effective leadership doesn’t just come from theoretical knowledge, but from understanding the lived experiences of the people you lead. His leadership style fosters loyalty, encourages teamwork, and drives results, all while keeping the company’s core values and vision in mind.
In summary, Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s leadership is built on a solid foundation of experience, empathy, and pragmatism. His ground-level understanding of operations, combined with his ability to connect with employees and make practical decisions, sets him apart as a leader who not only drives results but also creates a supportive, engaged work environment. His journey from the railroad tracks to the executive boardroom is a powerful reminder that effective leadership is not just about managing teams but understanding and valuing them.
Customer-Centric Approach
A key trait of Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s leadership is his customer-first mindset. Through his years in marketing and commercial roles, he learned the importance of aligning railroad services with customer needs. For industries like chemicals, agriculture, and construction, reliability and safety are essential. His approach has always been to actively listen to customers, understand their logistical challenges, and create solutions that strengthen long-term relationships. This customer-centric philosophy is crucial in an era where railroads compete directly with trucking and air freight. By focusing on trust, transparency, and adaptability, he has helped Norfolk Southern maintain strong commercial relationships and expand into new markets.
Influence of Military Discipline
Military service in the United States Marine Corps continues to shape his leadership style. The Marines emphasize honor, courage, and commitment—principles that are clearly reflected in the way Claude Edward Elkins Jr. leads teams and approaches challenges. Military discipline taught him to stay calm under pressure, make swift but thoughtful decisions, and inspire loyalty among those he leads. These traits are particularly valuable in the rail industry, where operational risks, regulatory pressures, and market uncertainties require steady, confident leadership.
Adaptability and Versatility
A key trait of Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s leadership is adaptability. Transitioning from operational roles into marketing and later into executive leadership required not just acquiring new skills but also rethinking his approach to problem-solving. While many leaders stick to one specialty, Elkins demonstrated the versatility to excel in operations, customer relations, business strategy, and executive decision-making. This adaptability has made him a modern leader capable of guiding a company through disruptions, technological changes, and shifting market expectations.
Influence and External Roles
Beyond his daily work at Norfolk Southern, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. has taken on roles that show his wider influence in the rail industry and in economic development. These positions highlight that leadership isn’t just about managing one company—it’s about shaping an entire industry and contributing positively to society.
Role with TTX Company Board
One of his key external roles is his position on the Board of Directors for TTX Company, a railcar pooling company that provides equipment and services to railroads across North America. In this role, Elkins helps guide decisions on how railroads share resources and manage costs. His operational expertise and marketing experience make him a valuable voice in these discussions. This position allows him to influence how rail companies collaborate, making the industry more efficient and cohesive.
Partnership with the Railway Industrial Clearance Association (RICA)
Elkins is also involved with the Railway Industrial Clearance Association (RICA), which focuses on the safe and efficient transportation of oversized and heavy loads—critical for industries like construction, energy, and manufacturing. Drawing on his operational and commercial experience, Elkins supports efforts to improve standards, share best practices, and strengthen relationships between shippers and railroads. His involvement with RICA reflects his commitment to safety, collaboration, and innovation within freight transportation.
Supporting Local and National Economic Growth
Through his leadership, Elkins also contributes to economic development. Railroads are central to the economy by moving essential goods like chemicals, metals, and agriculture. His efforts help businesses move their products efficiently, indirectly supporting job creation, regional growth, and national trade. Thus, his impact extends beyond just the rail industry, affecting sectors like farming, manufacturing, construction, and even consumers who rely on dependable transportation systems.
Industry Voice and Thought Leadership
Elkins’ external roles also provide him with a platform to be a voice for the rail industry in broader discussions. Whether talking about supply chain resilience, environmental responsibility, or technological advancements in transportation, he represents both Norfolk Southern and the broader rail sector. By sharing his insights, Elkins helps build trust in the railroad industry, emphasizing the importance of leadership that combines both operational experience and strategic vision in today’s rapidly changing world.
Impact on the Rail Industry
The career of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is not just about his personal success but about how he has shaped the railroad industry. His journey from brakeman to executive gives him a perspective few leaders have, allowing him to influence policies, guide operations, and set new standards in customer service. His impact is seen in how railroads connect with industries, support communities, and adapt to a fast-evolving transportation market.
Strengthening Customer Relationships
One of his major contributions has been building stronger customer relationships. Railroads often face the challenge of being seen as slow or difficult compared to trucking or air freight. By prioritizing reliability, transparency, and addressing customer needs, Elkins has helped make Norfolk Southern a trusted partner for industries such as chemicals, agriculture, and construction. His leadership showed that listening to customers and solving their problems is just as crucial as operational efficiency. This shift in mindset has encouraged others in the industry to adopt a more customer-focused approach.
Promoting Efficiency and Innovation
Elkins’ impact on efficiency and innovation is clear. Having worked at different levels of the railroad, he understands where bottlenecks occur and how to resolve them. As an executive, he has supported technology investments, improved logistics planning, and enhanced the use of rail assets. His work with TTX Company to share railcars across multiple companies improves service and reduces costs, making railroads more competitive. These efforts have positioned the railroad industry to meet the growing demand for speed and flexibility from customers.
Encouraging Safety and Responsibility
Safety has always been central to Elkins’ leadership. His military background ingrained in him the importance of discipline, and his early operational experience gave him a clear understanding of the risks faced by workers. As a leader, he has emphasized maintaining safety standards, investing in training, and holding teams accountable. At the same time, he has supported environmental responsibility, recognizing that railroads must reduce emissions and operate sustainably to stay relevant in the modern economy.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
One of Elkins’ most lasting impacts is the way he inspires future generations of railroad workers and leaders. His story shows that you don’t have to start at the top to reach executive leadership. Through hard work, adaptability, and a focus on both people and strategy, Elkins proves that anyone can rise from frontline roles to executive leadership. His career serves as a roadmap for young professionals in the rail industry, demonstrating how dedication and resilience can lead to great achievements.
Personal Life and Values Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
While Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is widely recognized for his professional achievements, his personal life and core values have also greatly influenced the kind of leader he has become. Behind every executive title is an individual shaped by experiences, family ties, and personal principles that guide their decisions. For Elkins, the foundation of his values comes from his early life, his education, military service, and his commitment to hard work and integrity. These values have not only influenced his career but also demonstrate how personal character can be as important as professional expertise in leadership.
Early Life and Education
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. grew up in Virginia, where he cultivated a strong work ethic and developed a deep appreciation for community values. His educational journey played a significant role in shaping his perspective. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from Emory & Henry College and later completed an MBA from Old Dominion University. These academic achievements provided him with the knowledge to understand both the financial and human aspects of business. His time in college also instilled discipline, analytical thinking, and an appreciation for long-term planning—skills that helped him address complex challenges in the railroad industry.
Military Service and Personal Discipline
Before joining Norfolk Southern, Elkins served in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that instilled discipline and responsibility, which shaped his leadership approach. The Marines emphasize core values such as honor, courage, and commitment, all of which have guided him throughout his career. His military service taught him to handle pressure, make quick yet thoughtful decisions, and remain focused under difficult circumstances. These lessons have become part of his personal ethos and continue to influence his management style and business decisions.
Family and Community Connections
Family has always played a central role in Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s life. While his career is often in the spotlight, those close to him recognize his deep loyalty to his family and his strong sense of community. Living in Virginia allowed him to remain connected to his roots and to the values of honesty, respect, and community service. Leaders grounded in family and community often bring a sense of balance and compassion to their professional lives, and Elkins exemplifies this balance.
Core Values and Guiding Principles
At his core, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. believes in hard work, adaptability, and integrity. His rise from brakeman to executive would not have been possible without the persistence to learn new skills and the humility to respect each role along the way. Integrity has been fundamental to his success—whether interacting with employees, customers, or industry partners, he has consistently demonstrated the importance of honesty and fairness. These principles have earned him respect not just for his business achievements, but for how he treats those around him.
Lessons from His Career
The career of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. offers valuable lessons for professionals, students, and future leaders. His journey illustrates that leadership is about more than titles and power—it’s about persistence, adaptability, and core values. His path shows that even with modest beginnings, success is achievable through discipline, education, and the right mindset.
Hard Work Opens Doors
One of the key lessons from Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is the importance of hard work. Starting as a brakeman, one of the most physically demanding roles in the railroad industry, he showed that hard work and dedication lead to opportunities for advancement. Instead of staying in one role, he continuously worked to acquire new skills and take on additional responsibilities. This illustrates that consistent effort can create opportunities, no matter where one starts.
Education Matters at Every Stage
Another important lesson is the value of education. Despite gaining practical experience, Elkins invested in his academic growth by earning a degree in business and economics and later an MBA. This combination of practical and academic knowledge gave him an edge in leadership roles. It’s a reminder that education is valuable not just at the start of a career, but throughout one’s professional journey. Continued learning, whether through formal education or on-the-job training, builds confidence and enables better decision-making.
Adaptability is a Strength
Adaptability also stands out as a significant lesson from Elkins’ career. Moving from operational roles to marketing and then to executive leadership required him to learn new skills and adapt to different challenges. Many resist change because it’s uncomfortable, but Elkins embraced it, which allowed him to handle various challenges and grow as a leader. The key takeaway here is that adaptability isn’t a weakness; rather, it’s a strength that makes professionals ready for new opportunities and challenges.
Integrity Builds Long-Term Trust
The most important lesson from Claude Edward Elkins Jr.‘s career is the power of integrity. Throughout his journey, he built trust with employees, customers, and industry partners through fairness and honesty. Leadership without trust is short-lived, but leadership rooted in integrity lasts. This principle applies to any career—treating people with respect and honoring commitments builds a reputation that leads to greater opportunities and responsibilities.
Legacy and Future Outlook
The story of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. leaves behind more than just a successful career—it creates a legacy that can inspire future leaders both in the railroad industry and beyond. His progression from brakeman to executive illustrates that leadership is shaped not by where you start, but by how you grow. His career is a testament to personal achievement and the lasting changes he made at Norfolk Southern, in the rail industry, and for the people who worked with him.
A Legacy of Resilience and Growth
One aspect of his legacy is resilience. Claude Edward Elkins Jr. demonstrated that challenging beginnings don’t limit success. By taking it step by step, learning from each role, and accepting new responsibilities, he built a career that serves as an example to anyone striving for advancement. His growth reflects the strength of combining discipline, education, and values, providing a model for future professionals to follow.
Influence on the Rail Industry
In the rail industry, Elkins’ impact will be remembered for connecting operational realities with strategic vision. By understanding both the frontlines and executive decisions, he was able to shape policies and practices that balanced efficiency with fairness. His leadership helped Norfolk Southern strengthen customer trust, improve operations, and navigate challenges like supply chain disruptions and environmental responsibility. His influence is ongoing through the systems he helped build and the people he mentored.
Inspiration for Future Leaders
Looking ahead, the career of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders. His story teaches that success doesn’t require starting at the top. Through patience, adaptability, and integrity, Elkins’ journey shows that dedication and ongoing learning are powerful tools for growth. Future leaders can look to his career as proof that commitment, respect, and a focus on both people and strategy can lead to significant achievements.
Continuing Relevance
As the rail industry evolves with new technologies and challenges, the lessons from Elkins’ career will remain relevant. The balance of discipline, adaptability, and customer focus will always be crucial for businesses. His legacy is not just about his time at Norfolk Southern, but about the mindset and values he promoted—values that will continue to guide future executives, employees, and industries in the face of change.
Final Summary
The life and career of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. are a powerful example of resilience, adaptability, and effective leadership. Starting from a brakeman at Norfolk Southern, he worked his way up through operational, marketing, and executive roles to become Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. His leadership style, shaped by his military background, education, and frontline experience, blends discipline and empathy.
Beyond his company, Elkins has influenced the broader rail industry through roles at organizations like TTX Company and the Railway Industrial Clearance Association. His focus on customer service, safety, and innovation has helped Norfolk Southern remain strong in a competitive market. More importantly, his career teaches enduring lessons—hard work, education, adaptability, and integrity—that professionals in any field can apply.
His legacy is one of growth, service, and inspiration. For the rail industry and beyond, the story of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. serves as a guiding example of what can be achieved with dedication and core values.
FAQs
1. Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr.?
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is a prominent executive in the railroad industry, best known for his leadership at Norfolk Southern, where he rose from an entry-level brakeman to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. His career is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a strong customer-first mindset.
2. What roles did Claude Edward Elkins Jr. hold at Norfolk Southern?
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. held various roles at Norfolk Southern, starting as a brakeman and advancing through operational roles such as conductor, locomotive engineer, and yardmaster. He later transitioned to leadership positions, including Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing and Vice President of Industrial Products, before becoming the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).
3. What was Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s educational background?
Elkins earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from Emory & Henry College and later completed an MBA from Old Dominion University with a focus on Port and Maritime Economics. His education helped him balance both the operational and strategic aspects of his leadership roles.