NS renames Memphis yard in recognition of Butler's service

Norfolk Southern Corp. has renamed its rail yard in Memphis, Tenn., to honor Deborah Harris Butler, NS' executive vice president planning and chief information officer, who will retire Oct. 1.

The "Harris Yard" is situated on NS' mainline from Birmingham and Chattanooga, and is located in midtown Memphis. It is a focal point for traffic moving east and west, as NS interchanges with the Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway Co. and CN.

"Consistently over her 37-year career, Deb envisioned and championed systems and technology that keep the freight moving," said NS President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Squires in a press release. "Her name on a key yard that handles important segments of our business — in her own hometown — is apt and well-deserved recognition."

Butler joined NS in 1978 as a customer account auditor and rose through the ranks during her career with the Class I. In 2000, she was named assistant vice president transportation customer services; in 2002, she became VP customer service; and in 2007, she was promoted to EVP planning and chief information officer.

In 2013, the League of Railway Industry Women recognized Butler as the "Outstanding Woman of the Year" for her dedication, commitment and contribution to the rail industry. To learn more about her contributions, read this profile of Butler that appeared in Progressive Railroading in November 2013.