2021 Influential leaders
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Rick Webb Executive Chairman, Watco
RAILWAY AGE READERS’ INFLUENTIAL LEADERS
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he results are in. Through Railway Age’s second annual Readers’ Influential Leaders online poll, qualified subscribers nominated a large number of active (non-retired) people from all areas of the North American railway industry. We are pleased to present the top 10 nominees here, plus five leaders receiving honorable mention. They are all committed to service and sustainability. Annie Adams Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, Norfolk Southern
8 Railway Age // May 2021
Engaging employees, building bridges between generations in the workplace, and ensuring sustainability are important industry-wide, and they are among Adams’ achievements at NS. She joined the company in 2001 and has risen through the human resources and planning ranks. Appointed Vice President Human Resources in 2016, she was charged with developing and executing talent strategies and employee engagement initiatives. Adams took on her current role in 2019, with responsibility for Information Technology, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Corporate Communications, Sustainability, and Corporate Giving. She heads up
many efforts that are fundamentally changing how NS does business. For example, the Digital | NS initiative is accelerating the company’s digital transformation and building the digital railroad of the future. Another key element of the railroad’s transformation: relocating the Norfolk, Va., corporate headquarters to Atlanta, Ga. Adams has led the new campus’ development, and employee health and well-being are central to the design, which leverages smart building technology and flexible workspaces, including outdoor spaces, to promote inclusion and collaboration. With sustainability oversight, Adams coordinates a company-wide commitment railwayage.com
Watco
The mantra of these railroaders: Making a difference. They’re not only helping to shape the industry, but also tomorrow’s leaders.
