Norfolk Southern named a 2026 Top Veteran Employer

Jul 22, 2026

U.S. Veterans Magazine has recognized Norfolk Southern as a 2026 Top Veteran Employer, highlighting the company's commitment to recruiting, supporting, and advancing veteran talent. The recognition reflects NS' ongoing efforts to create career opportunities for service members, veterans, and military families while building a workforce strengthened by military leadership and experience.

Honoring service through opportunity

Veterans play an important role across NS’ network, bringing leadership, discipline, and mission-focused thinking to positions throughout the railroad. Today, NS employs more than 1,700 veterans across its network serving in craft, operations, mechanical, engineering, technology, and leadership roles across the company.

“It's an honor to be recognized as a Top Veteran Employer. The skills and experience that current and former service members bring to NS are a tremendous asset to our railroad, our customers and the communities we serve. We are grateful to have so many veterans on the Thoroughbred team whose leadership, dedication and service help keep our railroad moving every day.” - Annie Adams, Norfolk Southern Chief Human Resources Officer

In addition to career opportunities and support programs, Norfolk Southern's VeteraNS Employee Resource Group helps foster connections, professional development, and support for veterans, reservists, military families, and allies across the railroad.

NS also partners with Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization that helps transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses prepare for meaningful civilian careers. Through NS-supported programs, Hire Heroes USA provides career coaching, resume assistance, interview preparation, and job placement services that help military-connected job seekers successfully transition into the workforce.

Last year, NS invested more than $430,000 in organizations supporting veterans through a variety of programs and services. We hope to match or exceed that investment this year. If your organization serves veterans, we encourage you to apply for a Thriving Communities grant before applications close on August 3.

Why the recognition matters

The Top Veteran Employers recognition highlights organizations that demonstrate a commitment to recruiting, retaining, and advancing veteran talent while creating workplace cultures where military experience is valued.

At Norfolk Southern, that commitment includes:

Career opportunities for transitioning service members and veterans.
Support for military reservists and National Guard members.
Veteran-focused employee connections through the VeteraNS Employee Resource Group.
Professional growth opportunities across the company's 22-state network.

Built on leadership and teamwork

Military service develops many of the same qualities that help railroaders succeed — leadership, adaptability, accountability, and commitment to safety. Across NS, veterans apply those skills every day to help serve customers, strengthen operations, and move the nation's supply chain forward.

Driving opportunity forward

This recognition reflects NS’ continued commitment to creating meaningful career pathways for those who have served our country. By investing in veterans and military families, the company is helping build a stronger workforce while creating opportunities for employees to continue serving in a new way — helping keep America's economy moving.

By Kasandra Jenkins, Communications Manager

Kasandra Jenkins assists with external communications for Norfolk Southern, focusing on community impact, awards, and media relations. Kasandra joined NS in 2025, with more than 10 years of media relations, and corporate/crisis communications experience.