CSX, Norfolk Southern announce new board members

CSX Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp. yesterday each announced the appointment of a new board member.

CSX appointed Ann Begeman to its board. Her career has spanned more than three decades in public service, primarily in the legislative and executive branches of government where she focused on transportation policy, CSX officials said in a press release.

She played a critical role in contributing to the development of significant legislation, including the ICC Termination Act, which dissolved the Interstate Commerce Commission and established the Surface Transportation Board (STB), they said.

From 2011 through 2021, Begeman served as a member of the STB, and served as its chairman and acting chairman from 2017 to 2021, as well as vice chairman. Since 2022, Begeman has served as a consultant on railroad regulatory and government affairs matters.

“Ann brings a wealth of industry expertise and knowledge to our team where she will play a vital role in our commitment to deliver service excellence and business growth,” said CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs. “We are delighted to have her join our Board as CSX continues to transform and strengthen our company while generating profitable growth through a better customer experience.”

Meanwhile, NS appointed to its board Lori Ryerkerk, the former chairman, CEO and president of Celanese Corp., a Fortune 500 global chemical and specialty materials company based in Dallas. Ryerkerk has more than three decades of global leadership experience in the energy, manufacturing and chemical industries. Her appointment expands the board to 14 members, NS officials said in a press release.

"[Ryerkerk's] strong operational acumen and insights as a large rail customer will be tremendous assets as we continue establishing a disciplined and operationally led network to drive long-term growth and deliver exceptional service to our customers and the communities where we operate," said NS President and CEO Mark George.

Ryerkerk was identified through a national search conducted by Diversified Search Group and selected in consultation with Ancora Holdings. The appointment is made pursuant to the terms of the agreement between NS and Ancora that was announced in November 2024, in which the parties agreed to work together in identifying an independent director to join the board, NS officials said.