Norfolk Southern on Jan. 24 named six people to new Vice President positions and duties, and announced the retirement of two long-time executives.
Vice President Mechanical Donald D. Graab, Atlanta, retires after 39 years of service. Assistant Vice President Corporate Communications Frank S. Brown, Norfolk, retires after 38 years. Both came from the Southern Railway, when the Southern merged with the Norfolk & Western to form NS.
“We thank Don and Frank for their contributions and dedication—in the best Thoroughbred tradition—to Norfolk Southern and those whom we serve,” Chairman, President and CEO Jim Squires said. Effective Feb. 1, Thomas G. Werner is Vice President Corporate Communications and Chief Sustainability Officer, Norfolk. C.H. “Jake” Allison, Jr., is Vice President and Treasurer, Norfolk. Susan S. Stuart is Vice President Audit and Compliance, Atlanta. Bruno Maestri is Vice President Government Relations, Washington D.C.
Effective Mar. 1, Jerry W. Hall is Vice President Mechanical, Atlanta. Karol R. Lawrence is Vice President Network and Service Management, Atlanta.
Werner joined NS in 1999 as Director IT Program Management. He served in positions of increasing responsibility in the IT department before being named Vice President Information Technology in 2007. He was named Vice President and Treasurer, his most recent position, in 2013. Werner holds degrees from Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania.
Allison joined NS in 1993 as Manager Audits. He served in audit and compliance, sourcing, and accounting positions before being named Vice President and Controller in 2009. He was named Vice President Audit and Compliance, his most recent position, in 2013. Allison holds a degree from Virginia Tech.
Stuart joined NS in 1985 as an information technology developer. She served in IT and accounting positions before being named Assistant Vice President Accounting Operations, her most recent position, in 2008. Stuart holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. In 2014, she completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Maestri joined NS in 1995 and served in positions relating to environmental management and protection, and then public affairs, before being named Vice President Government Relations and Corporate Communications in 2005. He was named Vice President Government Relations and Corporate Communications and Corporate Sustainability officer, his most recent position, in 2015. Maestri holds degrees from the University of Virginia.
Hall joined NS in 1985 as a management trainee. He served in a wide range of Transportation positions before being named Vice President Intermodal Operations in 2013, and Vice President Network and Service Management, his most recent position, also in 2013. Hall holds a degree from the University of Alabama. In 2016, he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Lawrence joined NS in 2001 as Director Program Management Office. She served in planning and technology and strategic planning positions before being named assistant Vice President IT, her most recent position, in 2006. Lawrence holds degrees from Susquehanna University and Villanova University. In 2015, she completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.
“Today’s appointments reflect the deep strength and versatility of the Norfolk Southern management team,” Squires said. “Our owners, customers, and communities can have every confidence that their interests always will be first and foremost with these experienced railroad leaders.”