Ed Boyle, a 30-year veteran of Norfolk Southern, has been recognized as one of Railway Age’s Influential Leaders for 2024. As the VP of Engineering since May 2019, Boyle has overseen the inspection, maintenance, and rehabilitation of NS’ extensive 28,000+ mile infrastructure network to ensure safe operations.
Boyle’s leadership has led to significant achievements within the company, including a record-breaking year for rail laying in 2023. Under his guidance, NS laid over 556 track miles of program rail – 35 miles more than the previous year with the same number of rail gangs. This accomplishment marked the most rail replaced by NS since 1992.
Starting in 1994 as a management trainee after earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Pennsylvania State University, Boyle has held various roles in Engineering and Operations at Norfolk Southern. His experience includes positions such as track supervisor, assistant division engineer, division engineer, chief engineer line maintenance, assistant general manager-Transportation, AVP Communications & Signals, and AVP Maintenance of Way & Structures.
According to John Orr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Norfolk Southern’s Engineering team excels under Boyle’s leadership. He commended Boyle’s commitment to both craft and non-craft team members, noting their continued success in delivering exceptional results for the company and its customers.
In addition to his role at NS, Boyle is actively involved in professional organizations, having recently completed his term on the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association’s Board of Governors. He also leads the North American Chief Engineers, sits on the Association of American Railroads’ Research Committee, and serves on the Penn State Altoona Rail Transportation Engineering Advisory Board.
