Norfolk Southern Appoints Ann A. Adams as New Chief Human Resources Officer

Norfolk Southern Elevates Ann A. Adams to CHRO

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing employee engagement and streamlining human resource management, Norfolk Southern Corporation has appointed Ann A. Adams as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). This appointment reflects the company’s dedication to building a high-performing culture that aligns with its goals and values. Adams will report directly to CEO Mark George and will oversee all aspects of human resources and labor relations.

Adams brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having joined Norfolk Southern in 2001 as a Human Resources Manager. Throughout her tenure, she has progressively assumed roles with greater responsibility, culminating in her recent position as Chief Transformation Officer. This unique blend of roles saw her manage a variety of sectors including Human Resources, Labor Relations, Corporate Communications, IT, and Sustainability. Earlier this year, the company decided to separate these divisions for focused leadership, allowing Adams to step back and help transition these segments effectively until new leadership was in place.

CEO Mark George expressed confidence in Adams’ capabilities, stating, "I asked Annie to step into the CHRO role because she is adept at building a high-performing organization. Her strong skill set, organizational knowledge, and experience make her the right partner as we focus on driving engagement and delivering even greater results."

A Commitment to Culture Change

Adams has been pivotal in implementing culture change within Norfolk Southern, overseeing significant projects such as the relocation and redesign of the company headquarters and leading national rail labor negotiations. Her extensive experience on various boards adds to her leadership capability. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Specialty Building Products and is involved in several community organizations like the Midtown Improvement District and Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta.

With a Bachelor’s degree from Davidson College, and both a Master’s and a Ph.D. from Rice University, Adams also completed the prestigious General Management Program at Harvard Business School. Furthermore, her recognition as one of Atlanta Business Chronicle's Women of Influence in 2022 and as one of Railway Age's Influential Leaders for 2021 underscores her impact and standing in the industry.

Collaborating with PC Bryant

In addition to Adams’ appointment, PC Bryant was named Vice President of Human Resources and will report to Adams. Bryant, who joined Norfolk Southern in 2020 as Assistant Vice President, has been a crucial player in leading initiatives related to workforce planning, organizational change, and performance management. His past roles in HR at major companies like CSX and The Home Depot equip him well to take on this new challenge.

Adams remarked on her willingness to collaborate with Bryant, stating, "I am excited to continue working alongside my colleagues to build a great culture at NS, and proud to have PC leading our Human Resources function. His collaborative approach aligns HR strategy with enterprise goals, while emphasizing the importance of our people."

A Track Record of Excellence

Since its inception in 1827, Norfolk Southern has been committed to safely moving goods that fuel the U.S. economy. The company has transformed its operations into a customer-focused and environmentally sustainable freight transportation network, significantly reducing carbon emissions by promoting rail shipping. With over 7 million carloads delivered each year, Norfolk Southern is an integral part of the East Coast’s freight logistics, connecting to all major container ports.

In summary, Adams’ elevation to Chief Human Resources Officer, along with Bryant’s appointment to Vice President of Human Resources, marks a pivotal moment for Norfolk Southern, enhancing the company’s commitment to fostering an engaged workforce and a robust corporate culture.