League of Railway Industry Women names NS' Butler 'Woman of the Year'

The League of Railway Industry Women (LRIW) has named Norfolk Southern Corp. Executive Vice President of Planning and Chief Information Officer Deb Butler as the recipient of the organization's 2013 "Outstanding Woman of the Year Award." Sponsored by Progressive Railroading, the award recognizes an individual's dedication, commitment and contribution to the rail industry.

Butler joined the Southern Railway System in 1978 as a customer account auditor in the accounting department. In 1979, she was promoted to supervisor of car distribution in the railway's operations control center. For the next 28 years, Butler held increasingly responsible positions in NS's operating department. In 2007, she was appointed to her current position.

Butler serves on the boards of Conrail and TTX Co., and chairs the Thoroughbred Technology & Telecommunications L.L.C.'s board. Butler also chairs the Transportation Research Board's executive committee and is a member of the CIO Strategy Exchange. A noted mentor, she also has chaired the Atlanta chapter of the Women's Transportation Seminar, the American Council of Railroad Women and the National Grain Car Council.

Butler will be recognized on Sept. 30 during the opening session at Railway Interchange 2013 in Indianapolis.