Ed Boyle, VP Engineering, a 30-year veteran of Norfolk Southern, was recognized by Railway Age as one of ten Influential Leaders for 2024. Honorees were selected through the publication’s fifth-annual online poll.

Since May 2019, Boyle has led the team responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and rehabilitating NS’ 28,000+ mile infrastructure network to ensure safe operations. The NS Engineering one team performs approximately $1 billion in capital infrastructure improvements annually to ensure safe operations throughout our 22-state network.

Under Boyle’s leadership, NS achieved a historic rail laying year last year. Over 556 track miles of program rail were laid in 2023, 35 miles more than the previous year with the same number of rail gangs. This figure represents most rail replaced by NS since 1992.

Boyle joined NS in 1994 as a management trainee after earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the Pennsylvania State University. He has held positions in Engineering and Operations throughout his career with Norfolk Southern, including track supervisor, assistant division engineer, division engineer, chief engineer line maintenance, assistant general manager-Transportation, AVP Communications & Signals and AVP Maintenance of Way & Structures.

“Norfolk Southern’s Engineering team is second to none thanks to Ed’s leadership and vision,” said John Orr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Ed’s commitment to his team, both craft and non-craft, is commendable. His team continues to safely achieve extraordinary results and unlock value year after year for both our network and our customers.”

Active in professional organizations, Boyle recently completed his term on the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association’s Board of Governors. He leads the North American Chief Engineers, is a member of the Association of American Railroads’ Research Committee and serves on the Penn State Altoona Rail Transportation Engineering Advisory Board.