We have a vision for a better way forward for Norfolk Southern. It is a groundbreaking strategy that balances service, productivity, and growth. It is designed to create long-term value for our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities we serve.

As part of that vision, we are strengthening our safety culture, with a deep commitment to improving ourselves by investing in technology and resources to make our employees, communities, and first responders safer. We are investing in our people, with a renewed focus on engaging our craft workforce. We are committed to safely delivering reliable and resilient service so our customers can continue to build Norfolk Southern into their supply chains, taking advantage of rail’s sustainability. We are building a customer-centric, operations-driven service organization, collaborating with our customers, and competing on operational excellence.

I’m proud to be a Norfolk Southern railroader. I joined the company more than 29 years ago, and if you ask me what I appreciate the most about Norfolk Southern, the answer is simple: The people. We care about each other, our customers, our partners, the communities we serve, and the planet we call home. That’s who we are, in everything we do, and our decisions reflect our values.

It is an honor to serve the interest of all Norfolk Southern’s shareholders as the Independent Chair on our Board of Directors.

We have a highly engaged Board with superior credentials, with each Director bringing experience and skills that are essential to Norfolk Southern’s continued success.

 On May 1, 2022, the Board completed the company’s CEO transition plan when Alan Shaw became our President and CEO and joined the Board of Directors. Alan is one of the freight industry’s most respected leaders, with 29 years of experience at Norfolk Southern in operations, marketing, and finance and will provide the steady leadership necessary to ensure the continued success of Norfolk Southern.

I have had the privilege to serve as the Chair of your Board of Directors since May 1, 2022. Since such time, I have engaged with shareholders, and management during regular onsite meetings with the CEO and other members of the management team, including those below the C-Suite level, in order to further oversight of Norfolk Southern’s operations, ensure alignment related to our new strategic direction, and continue our enhanced focus on safety and responsive actions following the East Palestine derailment.