Railway Age names Chief Operating Officer John Orr as 2026 Railroader of the Year

"John Orr is an accomplished fourth-generation railroader who began his career as a craft railroader and union leader, bringing decades of hands-on experience to his leadership,” said Railway Age Editor-in-Chief William C. Vantuono. “He has held a range of operational and management roles throughout his career and is known across the industry as a proven transformation leader with a strong track record of implementing scheduled railroading to achieve safety and service excellence."

At Norfolk Southern, success is a shared accomplishment.

“Our success is built on the dedication and professionalism of our entire team: railroaders who make our value of safety the standard and a shared responsibility every day,” Orr said.

Orr will be profiled in the January issue of the magazine and honored at the annual dinner in March.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized among the exceptional leaders who are shaping the future of our industry,” Orr added. “Together, Team NS has embraced our PSR 2.0 transformation, building skills and capabilities, strengthening our culture, and advancing our mission to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable service to our customers and communities.”

For Orr, the journey extends generations.

“My family’s more than 400 years of combined service to this industry — as conductors, union leaders, skilled craftspeople, and first-generation managers — instilled in me a deep respect for commitment, work ethic, and the power of teamwork,” he said. “This honor is a tribute to them, and to every member of the Norfolk Southern family whose passion and resilience are shaping the next chapter of our industry’s legacy.”

Read the Railway Age announcement here.