Generations of railroaders, a path all her own

Sep 22, 2026

Britt Morrell at Norfolk Southern headquarters

For Brittany “Britt” Morrell, railroading has never been just a career. It has been part of her family’s story for more than a century.

Top Takeaways

Sixth-generation railroader Morrell serves as group manager of Intermodal Customer Logistics at Norfolk Southern, connecting customers with the company’s intermodal freight network.
Her experience in network operations, car distribution, and intermodal logistics helps connect customer needs with railroad operations to keep freight moving safely and efficiently.
Her family’s railroad roots extend across multiple railroads and generations.

When Morrell joined Norfolk Southern through the company’s management trainee program 13 years ago, she became the sixth generation in her family to work on the railroad. Her family’s railroading roots span multiple generations and railroads, including Pennsylvania Railroad, Reading Railroad, Conrail, and NS. Today, she continues that tradition while building a career uniquely her own in NS’ Commercial organization.

Yet for Morrell, the most meaningful part of that history is not the family tree itself. It is the people.

More than a family tradition

Growing up in Pennsylvania, railroading was woven into everyday life. Her father, Brian Keller, spent 42 years in transportation and operations, and conversations about the railroad often followed him home. Company gatherings and family events introduced Morrell to many of the people he worked alongside, creating relationships that extended beyond the workplace.

As a child, she witnessed firsthand the commitment railroading required. Plans could change quickly when operational issues demanded attention. Years later, after relocating to Atlanta to join NS, she and her father spent a brief period working for the same railroad. He became a trusted resource and sounding board as she learned the industry.

“I’d see something happening on the railroad and call my dad. He’d help me understand what was going on and what the bigger picture was,” Morrell said.

Many of the railroaders she met had worked with her father or grandfather. Some went out of their way to check on how she was settling into a new city and a new role. For Morrell, those experiences reinforced a lesson she had seen throughout her life: railroading often creates a second family, built through shared experiences and looking out for one another.

Brian Keller retirement ceremony in 2017

Britt's father, Brian Keller (center), is recognized at his NS retirement ceremony in 2017.

Connecting customers and the railroad

While many members of her family built careers in operations, Morrell’s path took a different direction. Roles in Network and Service Management, Car Distribution, and Intermodal gave her a broad understanding of how customers, operations, and the railroad come together to move freight.

Today, she serves as group manager of Intermodal Customer Logistics, helping connect customers with NS’ intermodal freight service across its network. Her team works closely with customers and operating teams to communicate updates, resolve issues, and help keep shipments moving efficiently.

“Our company provides a service,” Morrell said. “We’re helping bridge the gap, making sure we’re doing what’s right for Norfolk Southern and what’s right for the customer.”

What gets passed down

The most enduring lessons Morrell inherited were not tied to a specific craft, department, or job title.

Her father often shared a simple piece of advice: “Understand the problem, be part of the solution.” That mindset continues to shape how she approaches challenges and collaborates with colleagues across the railroad.

She also sees connections between today’s railroad and the one her family members experienced. Technology, systems, and job responsibilities have evolved dramatically, but the railroad’s purpose remains familiar: safely moving customers’ freight and delivering the service they depend on.

For Morrell, being part of a six-generation railroading family adds another layer of meaning to a career she already finds rewarding. It is a reminder that while jobs, locations, and generations may change, the relationships, values, and lessons passed down along the way continue to endure.

Britt Morrell at Disney World with her father, Brian Keller

Britt and her father during a recent family vacation to Disney World, a destination she has enjoyed visiting since childhood.

Railroad roots and roles: Moyer and Keller families

Gabriel Moyer, Pennsylvania Railroad, charter member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Engineers (great-great-great-grandfather)
John Moyer, Pennsylvania Railroad car department (great-great-grandfather)
Joseph Moyer, Pennsylvania Railroad/Penn Central car department (great-grandfather)
Norman Keller, Reading Railroad/Conrail accounting and management (grandfather)
Brian Keller, Conrail/NS transportation, rules, and safety (father)
Britt Morrell, NS group manager, Intermodal Customer Logistics

By Brett Willi, Senior Communications Manager

Brett Willi leads internal communications for Norfolk Southern, focusing on safety, compliance, operational excellence and employee engagement. He also oversees communications for Engineering and Mechanical. Brett joined NS in 2025, with 20 years of strategic communications, digital content and analytics expertise.