Stephanie Roop, Norfolk Southern Assistant Vice President Strategy and Planning, has been named a Railway Age 2024 ‘Fast Trackers’ 25 Under 40 Honoree for her influential contributions to the rail industry. The awards honor 25 rail executives under the age of 40 who are making an impact through leadership, education, community service involvement, and global industry contributions.

During her 13-year-long career at Norfolk Southern, Roop has established herself as an innovator with a demonstrated history of flexibility, drive, and commitment to excellence. In her current role, Roop leads a team of two dozen employees that manage market planning and analysis, strategy development, and technology product ownership for the company’s Industrial Products and Coal (IPCO) marketing division.

Driving technological Innovation and efficiency

As the primary liaison between the IPCO marketing division and the Information Technology department, Roop led 22 company-wide strategic growth initiatives in 2023. She spearheaded projects such as establishing predictive technology efforts within the AccessNS platform, implementing machine learning tool pilots, and executing predictive programs on customer-facing platforms. 

“I aim to create a new version of the rail industry that embraces cutting-edge technological advancements and becomes more agile, efficient, and customer-centric,” says Roop. “By leveraging advanced automation, engineering and digital innovation, we can streamline operations, improve predictive capabilities, and enhance the user experience for Norfolk Southern’s customers.”

Leading by example

Through her market leadership and strategic prowess, Roop has established herself as a successful manager capable of achieving tangible results and enhancing workforce engagement.

From 2014 to 2019, Roop led the company’s fertilizer market. Her management of Norfolk Southern’s sustainability-focused "waste by rail" strategy between 2019 and 2021 was particularly impactful as it diverted over 6 million tons of waste, positively impacting environmental conservation within the industry. 

In 2015, Norfolk Southern honored Roop with the Thoroughbred Spirit Award, an internal award given to those who showcase company values by going above and beyond on a project that changes the company. Roop was also recognized for her work on the “Fill the Gaps” initiative in the fertilizer market.

"Stephanie is a multifaceted leader who demonstrates an authentic and hardworking approach,” said Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins. “Her efforts reflect Norfolk Southern’s overall mission to chart A Better Way Forward for our industry, and she is extremely deserving of the Railway Age 2024 ‘Fast Trackers’ 25 Under 40 award.”