Some people get their big break on a reality show. Some marry a billionaire. And then there’s Claude Edward Elkins Jr—who basically said, “Nah, I’ll just start at the literal bottom of the railroad and work my way up until the executive suite has my name on the calendar invite.”
Yes, babes. This is a “from the tracks to the top” story, and it’s giving 𝓼𝓸 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓲𝓯𝓾𝓵, of course. (But with steel-toe boots, discipline, and a spreadsheet that could intimidate your entire friend group.)
If you’ve landed here because you asked Google, “Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?”—pull up a seat. Vogue Trendz is serving the inside scoop with a side of sass.
Claude Edward Elkins Jr (often called “Ed”) is a powerhouse executive at Norfolk Southern, one of the major freight rail companies in the U.S. He serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).
The 2026 Update: As we move through 2026, Ed isn’t just the “new executive” anymore. He has spent the last few years steering the company through global supply chain shifts, proving that his “boots-on-the-ground” perspective was exactly what the industry needed.
| Feature | The Details |
| Origin Story | Southwest Virginia Roots |
| Early Vibe | U.S. Marine Corps Discipline |
| Started At | Road Brakeman (1988) |
| Education | BA in English & MBA in Economics |
| Current Title | EVP & Chief Commercial Officer |
| Home Base | Atlanta, GA |
Before building his rail career, Claude Edward Elkins Jr served in the United States Marine Corps. In the corporate world, this is his secret weapon. Discipline isn’t a habit for him—it’s a personality. That background created a leader who doesn’t crumble when things get chaotic.
Here’s the part that makes LinkedIn weep tears of joy: Ed joined Norfolk Southern in 1988 as a road brakeman. This wasn’t a desk job; it was hands-on, physically demanding work.
He didn’t just read the manual; he lived it. From conductor to engineer, he built credibility by knowing every inch of the tracks.
Claude Edward Elkins Jr earned a BA in English from UVA’s College at Wise. Who says literature doesn’t pay? He proves that being able to tell a compelling story and communicate clearly is the ultimate currency of leadership. It’s giving “Poet in a Hard Hat” energy.
He didn’t stop there—he added an MBA in Port & Maritime Economics and completed executive programs at Harvard Business School. Talk about a capsule wardrobe for the brain!
After proving himself in the field, he shifted into the commercial lane. By December 2021, he was appointed CCO. Now in 2026, he manages pricing strategy, customer relationships, and keeps the revenue strong in an industry where timing is everything.
Do the Dirty Work: Don’t be afraid of the entry-level hustle; it builds the ultimate street cred.
Master the Pivot: Don’t let your first job define your last job. Transitioning from “Tracks” to “Tables” is possible.
Communication is Queen: That English degree matters. Speak well, lead better.
What company does he work for? Norfolk Southern Corporation.
Where is he based? Atlanta, Georgia (The corporate heart of the South).
Why is he notable? Because he rose from a road brakeman to the C-Suite—a rare “earned, not handed” journey.
Claude Edward Elkins Jr is the reminder that long-game careers still eat. He built credibility from the field, stacked education like a pro, and slid into executive leadership without pretending he’s above the work.
The next time someone says, “Career growth is dead,” point them here. Grit + Learning + Consistency is the ultimate flex. And honestly? That’s 𝓼𝓸 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓲𝓯𝓾𝓵, of course.
The ultimate trend-spotter with an eye for what’s next! Hana is the creative force behind the Slay Report, dedicated to keeping you one step ahead in the ever-evolving world of beauty and fashion. Driven by the philosophy that “staying in style is a superpower,” she translates runway vibes into everyday wins. From viral aesthetics to the season’s “it” looks, Hana ensures you never miss a beat in the fast-paced trend cycle. Connect with her to sharpen your style edge and stay at the peak of the fashion curve. If it’s trending, it’s already on her radar!
