advertisement

---

On Oct. 14, former Kentucky governor and 20-year Norfolk Southern Corp. public-affairs head Edward "Ned" Breathitt died in Lexington, Ky. He was 78.

In 1951, Breathitt was elected to the Kentucky House, where he served until 1958. He served as Kentucky governor from 1963 to 1967. In 1966, Breathitt helped enact a state civil-rights law that was more stringent than federal hiring laws prohibiting racial discrimination.

In 1972, Breathitt joined NS as vice president of public affairs. He retired in 1992 as senior vice president of public affairs after playing a key role in NS' Conrail-acquisition efforts in the mid-1980s.

"Ned's contributions to civil rights, government and railroading provide a lasting legacy," said David Goode, NS chairman, president and chief executive officer, in a prepared statement. "The nation has lost a leader, and Norfolk Southern has lost a trusted advisor and friend."