NS names new Executive VP

(Posted on 26/03/20)

Norfolk Southern Corporation has announced that Vanessa Allen Sutherland has been named executive vice president and chief legal officer, effective 1 April, 2020.

NS is one of the USA's premier transportation companies and is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern

“Vanessa is an invaluable contributor to NS, with important responsibilities across a number of areas critical to our company’s success,” said James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern chairman, president and CEO. “Most recently, Vanessa has been playing an integral role in helping NS navigate the economic, political, and regulatory environment. We thank her for her hard work and commitment to ensuring that our company continues to deliver superior returns for investors, and outstanding service to customers, while keeping our employees and communities safe. On behalf of the entire NS team, I congratulate Vanessa on her promotion to EVP.”

Allen Sutherland joined Norfolk Southern in 2018 as vice president law. She was promoted to senior vice president government relations and chief legal officer in 2019. Recently, she has been focused on the NS government relations team’s ongoing work, building and strengthening relationships with legislative, state, and local stakeholders in support of the company’s financial and legal obligations. During her tenure at NS, she has helped lead a review of the company’s safety program, managed government relations initiatives, introduced automation at multiple levels within the law team, and collaborated with industry peers on matters related to short line railroads.