Congratulations to Will DeShazor, AVP Terminal Operations for Intermodal and Automotive, who was selected as one of 25 “Fast Trackers” by Railway Age. The eighth annual award recognizes railroaders throughout North America and Mexico who are under the age of 40 and have made an impact within their respective field or company.

"Will has had an exceptional 18-year career at Norfolk Southern during a series of progressively responsible assignments throughout the country," said NS Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins. "When it comes to identifying and implementing a solution, Will has deep insight into the perspectives of our frontline railroaders in order to make the effort successful." 

After graduating from the Virginia Military Institute in 2005, DeShazor joined Norfolk Southern as a Management Trainee at Greenville, South Carolina. During his career, DeShazor has provided hands-on leadership across several mission critical projects that have enhanced the company’s ability to be a more customer-centric and operations-driven organization.

“Once again, a strong, strong field of tremendous experience and variety across the depth and breadth of the railway industry across North America,” said Michigan State Center for Railway & Education Director Nick Little, who was program judge. “This year, I detected a shift away from technical expertise and data provision towards the ability to ask the right questions of the data. These are all very bright, capable, and dedicated people.”

Over the years, DeShazor’s assignments have grown both in size and complexity. He held several positions managing Road Territories across several states before assuming a role in Ops Planning & Support in Norfolk, Virginia that provided a System level view of railroad operations and highlighted the various needs of departments across the Operations Division. From that point, DeShazor held various roles managing terminals to include a stint as Assistant Terminal Superintendent at Norfolk Terminal as the facility handled record export coal volumes at Lamberts Point. He went on to act as Terminal Superintendent at Linwood, Chattanooga, and Elkhart. As Terminal Superintendent of Elkhart, DeShazor worked with Canadian National to establish and execute direct interchange at the facility. Finally, he has also held leadership positions in Transportation Operations and Operational Efficiency.

After spending more 17 years in Norfolk Southern’s Transportation department, DeShazor accepted a new role in Terminal Operations for Intermodal and Automotive last November. DeShazor looks forward to offering his leadership skills to the company’s growth engine. He is laser-focused on helping Norfolk Southern to achieve its goal of significantly growing its Intermodal franchise by providing leadership to operational practices and strategic capital investment.