NS engineer Chris DelGallo recognized as a top engineer under 40 by RT&S

Strong infrastructure starts with strong leadership. Norfolk Southern’s Chris DelGallo was recognized as one of Railway Track & Structures’ 2026 Engineers Under 40, highlighting the next generation of leaders shaping the future of rail.

Why it matters: Behind every mile of track is a team focused on safety, reliability, and performance. Leaders like Chris are helping strengthen our network that keeps communities and supply chains moving.

• Driving performance: Chris oversees 4,400 miles of track across seven states from Virginia to New Orleans, supporting safe and efficient freight movement.
• Advancing infrastructure: He has contributed to major projects that improve capacity, reliability, and network fluidity.
• Leading through challenges: From large-scale capital projects to disaster response, his work helps keep operations running safely under pressure.

Key details

Chris, a division engineer for the Gulf Division’s Maintenance of Way & Structures team, brings 14 years of rail experience to his role. His career has spanned multiple regions across the network, building hands-on expertise in both field operations and large-scale infrastructure delivery.

Throughout his career, he has supported critical initiatives, including:

• Capacity and efficiency projects: yard expansions, reconfigurations, and corridor improvements designed to increase throughput and reliability
• Major infrastructure upgrades: Birmingham 14th Street modernization, which resulted in faster train speeds and smoother operations through a vital interlocking
• Disaster response efforts: recovery post Hurricane Helene, where he helped coordinate teams and resources across challenging terrain to restore service safely and efficiently

His ongoing work focuses on strengthening safety performance, improving operational efficiency, and delivering capital projects that support network growth and resilience.

What we’re saying

“Chris DelGallo leads his team from the front. His leadership style centers on clear communication, accountability, earning respect, and building trust with everyone he works with. Every time Chris has been challenged with a new role and greater responsibilities, he has built a positive, open environment where his people speak up, share ideas, and work together to make our NS Engineering team better every day.” – Ed Boyle, VP Engineering

Amplifying impact

Chris’ recognition underscores the critical role engineers play in building and maintaining a safe, reliable rail network. From improving infrastructure to leading teams through complex challenges, his work helps position NS for long-term success.

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.