ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern has named Will Miller as its first director of public engagement, who the railroad said “will help marshall resources to improve railroad infrastructure and engagement with local leaders and their citizens.”
Miller’s job will be to serve as point person for issues such as grade crossings, public events that cross railroad tracks, right-of-way maintenance needs and more, NS said in announcing his appointment.
“Norfolk Southern has a responsibility to be a good corporate citizen, and this new role will help deliver on that commitment,” Norfolk Southern President CEO Alan H. Shaw said in a press release. “We’re focused on collaborating with communities and their leaders on projects that benefit them, while maintaining the critical role of rail to our national economy.”
Miller, who has been with NS for more than 17 years, most recently served as public safety director. He began his career as a conductor trainee and also servied as a member of Operation Lifesaver’s National Advisory Committee for 11 years, and worked on safety projects throughout the NS system.
“I’ve seen firsthand how railroads and communities can partner together,” Miller said. “This is an opportunity for Norfolk Southern to take an industry-leading role and be a champion for local leaders.”
“This is an opportunity for Norfolk Southern to take an industry-leading role and be a champion for local leaders.”
How about being a champion for Norfolk Southern who is paying your salary. Perhaps closer interaction with local leaders would encourage more involvement by those officials to embrace and establish Operation Lifesaver programs in their communities. More “Trooper on a Train” programs to enforce railroad crossing and ROW violations might also yield additional, positive dialogue at the local level.