Norfolk Southern names Earhart EVP, CFO

Norfolk Southern Corp.'s board has appointed Cynthia Earhart as executive vice president and chief financial officer effective today.

Earhart succeeds NS Vice President and Controller Thomas Hurlbut, who has served as interim CFO since Aug. 1, following the retirement of Marta Stewart.

A certified public accountant, Earhart joined NS in 1985 and most recently served as executive vice president and chief information officer. In connection with her new duties as CFO, she will retain her CIO responsibilities, NS officials said in a press release.

Earhart's appointment follows an extensive review of internal and external candidates, said NS Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer James Squires.

"Cindy has a strong financial background, a comprehensive understanding of NS' operations, and a proven track record as a senior executive who challenges thinking and encourages innovation," Squires said. "As we continue to leverage technology enhancements to drive further improvements in customer service and productivity, we are confident that having Cindy in this key position will accelerate our progress. "

After joining the NS accounting department in 1985, Earhart held positions of increasing responsibility in the department, including assistant vice president, before transitioning to information technology. She was named vice president information technology in 2001.

In 2007, Earhart was named vice president human resources, and in 2013, she was appointed executive vice president administration. She assumed expanded responsibilities as executive vice president, administration and chief information officer in 2015.

Prior to joining the Class I, Earhart worked as an accountant at Ernst & Young's predecessor CPA firm Ernst and Whinney.