Newsletter
WiNS – Our Role as Leaders
by Deb Thomas
forefront of our industry and showing our customers we are
We are on our way to wrapping up the first quarter of 2011. the safest at what we do.
Where does the time go? Time slips away rapidly which is all
the more reason to sharpen our focus and make each day Imagine what can happen if each of our 1,210 WiNS memcount toward achieving our WiNS mission:
bers commits to working safe and injury-free not only this
year, but for the rest of their career. If each member
passes along this same sense of pride and discipline by
reaching out to two non-WiNS members and encourages
them to commit to the same vision, imagine the strength
and momentum that will naturally evolve.
The same can be said for “Performance.” Every day we, as
WiNS leaders, can look around and find ways to work
“To give Norfolk Southern a competitive advantage by fossmarter and better. We can encourage others to look for
tering professional development and leadership.‖
ways to eliminate waste in our work areas and find ways to
So, how do we do that?
be more productive. All it takes is for each of us to perform
with an expectation to be the best, making sure we hold
This will be the first of a three-part series that will take a
others to that same expectation.
closer look at linking our core SPIRIT values to our WiNS mission. We all know that “Safety” and ―Performance” are
“Safety” and “Performance” effects change in everyone at
important values, and it takes a strong focus to keep those
Norfolk Southern. I challenge each WiNS member to help
metrics trending in the right direction. But how does the
those that you lead and with whom you interact to underWiNS initiative really help?
stand how ―safe performance‖ is a win/win for each employee and every shareholder.
Everyone can be a leader at any level or in any capacity in
which they serve by having a strong understanding of how
In closing, think about what you, as a WiNS leader, can do to
important ―Safety‖ is to the company and how a successful
ensure that we close out this first quarter of 2011 showing
safety metric impacts our corporation. It takes leaders on
our competitors, our customers, and our shareholders that
every level to educate, encourage, and enforce safe perwe mean business. Take pride in what you do every day.
formance. It is not about winning a prize at the end of the
Remember that others are watching. Your ethics, attitudes,
year. It is about taking pride in running the safest company,
and abilities influence those around you. Expect greatness.
and it takes all of us to do that. It is about staying in the
I N S I D E
F E B R U A R Y
WiNS Celebrates Women’s History Month
2 0 1 1
tendees to explain the goals of WiNS, its organization and committee structure, and how
In March, WiNS will celebrate its seventh anni- member participation in the organization can
versary as well as Women’s History Month. help a member develop their personal goals at
The National Women’s History Project 2011 NS.
theme is ―Our History Is Our Strength.‖
Through its brief history of seven years, WiNS The WiNS event in Atlanta will be held March
has informed and inspired its members to help 2, 2011, and feature Executive Vice President
their professional development. WiNS mem- Planning and Chief Information Officer Deb
bers have made and continue to make great Butler as lead speaker. The event in Roanoke
accomplishments at Norfolk Southern.
will be held March 30, 2011, and feature Virginia Division Superintendent Haskel Stanback
This year, WiNS will focus on branding itself as as lead speaker. The event in Norfolk will be
the affinity organization at NS that helps each held March 31, 2011, and feature Captain Mary
member develop their professional goals. At Jackson, the first female Commander of Naval
the March WiNS events in Atlanta, Norfolk, Station Norfolk. Please take the opportunity
and Roanoke, WiNS Executive Sponsors and to attend these events and learn how WiNS
leaders will speak and interact with event at- can help your professional development at NS.
by Susan Golden
Debbie Thomas Interview
2
Meet a Member
2
Wins—Internet
3
Safety Tip
4
Without Them
4
Festival of Trees
5
Announcements
5
WiNS February 2011 Issue
PAGE 2
The Culture Catalyst Series presents
Looking Back, Looking Ahead:
The Debbie Thomas Interview
by David Ray
through the years I started working
with people who had supported the
group in a way that helped them
develop their leadership skills — and
that’s when I realized WiNS had
grown and had a lot to offer, and
that’s when I got involved. Serving
on the Leadership Council has been a
great networking tool for me, because I had come up in the company
on the operations side, and it gave
me a chance to network and connect
with more people on the corporate
side. It was of huge value.
It’s a chilly morning in Norfolk, but
rounding the corner to Debbie Thomas’ office I can almost feel the
fires of railroad ingenuity. As Norfolk Southern’s Strategic Programs
Director she manages system-wide
improvement projects and programs
— and, as if helping guide our company into the future weren’t
enough, Thomas also chairs the WiNS
Leadership Council. Today I’ve come
to hear her perspective about that
group’s history, and what she sees
ahead.
WiNS: So let me ask you, when you
talk about networking, what’s the
While her black business suit might difference between networking and
suggest a corporate conservative, socializing?
the pushed-up sleeves and pulledback ponytail reveal an action- Turning the question on me, she
oriented leader who likes to drive smiles and raises her eyebrows as if
progress (as well as a Harley- to say, “Well…?”
Davidson and a hot-rod Corvette).
I give up and we laugh.
WiNS: We’re celebrating WiNS’ anniversary this month, with the theme
―Our History is our Strength.‖ So
what’s changed at WiNS since 2004,
and how did you get involved?
DT: WiNS has evolved. At first I didn’t participate much, because at the
time I thought it was only going to be
a women’s affinity group. But
DT: My point is that a lot of people
look at our events as just social
events, and not networking events —
and there’s a huge difference. There
is a time to socialize, but to me,
networking is connecting with people
that help you learn other parts of the
corporation. It’s reaching out to people that can help you get information
you may need, that you’re not famil-
iar with or that’s not your area of
expertise. Networking is being able
to have a go-to person if you’re
working on a project and you need
someone to help you get down to a
granular level to understand it.
Those are networking skills, those
are the things you need to learn.
WiNS: So WiNS has been steadily
building on that networking piece.
Can you tell us more about the
group’s ongoing evolution?
She smiles, peering thoughtfully into
the distance through her goldenframed glasses — as if seeing the
future.
Continued on page 3
Celebrating Women’s History and Achievements
by Christee Carter
We would like to introduce Kim
Ashley, Assistant Director, Labor
Relations, who was randomly selected to be featured in this edition’s ―Meet a Member‖ section.
Ashley recently celebrated her 30th
anniversary with Norfolk Southern
in November 2010. She began her
career right out of graduate school
at the NS coal transloading facility
at Lamberts Point in Norfolk, Va.,
and has spent the last 19 years
working in Labor Relations. Ashley has seen her department become more diverse. When she began in Labor
Relations Ashley was the only woman Labor Relations
Officer and now nearly one third of the officers are females, four of whom are Assistant Directors.
―During my time in Labor Relations I have handled a cross
-section of the non-operating crafts including the Transportation Communications International Union; the
Brotherhood Railway Carmen; Transport Workers Union;
Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers communication workers;
International Longshoremen; and the American Train
Dispatchers Association. I also handle medical disputes
pertaining to all agreement employees.‖
In addition to Ashley’s membership in WiNS, she served
for three years on the NS Volunteer Council and was actively involved as an NS member in assisting community
programs such as the annual Clean the Bay Day, Special
Olympics, Paint Your Heart Out and the Southeastern
Food Bank. She also served as a member of a special
committee that developed the NS Children’s Center daycare facility in the Atlanta office building.
Continued on page 4
WiNS February 2011 Issue
PAGE 3
Looking Ahead: Debbie Thomas Interview
Continued from page 2
DT: Our goal this year is to rebrand ourselves and let everybody know what WiNS is, that it’s really
about developing leadership skills,
and helping people understand what a
―We need people who
leader is. We focus on leadership and
won’t be afraid to roll up
development, we focus on networktheir shirt sleeves and
ing, and we focus on exposing people
make something happen.‖
to other parts of the company.
four years. I interacted with Conrail, NS, and CSX personnel
and I interacted with a lot of different departments within
those railroads. To be exposed to three different railroads
and to communicate with all of those people was a valuable
educational experience and a huge networking opportunity.
To answer your question, the greatest challenge I’ve had to
overcome was developing systems during the Conrail transaction where all three roads could communicate successfully
from a data perspective.
WiNS: So building on our past, you now see us rebranding,
refocusing, and recommunicating.
WiNS: So your career path has taught you the very things
you’re trying to make WiNS become: to get people networkDT: I don’t want us to be known as a women’s affinity group. ing, to get everyone to succeed, and to create innovative
I want WiNS to be known as a leadership and development solutions to do that. I think your ―strong history‖ is a great
affinity group. And I want us to focus on developing young way to describe what you’re up to here at WiNS.
leaders who will soon take the place of our more senior leaders. You can lead from any level and you can lead from any DT: I would like to take WiNS to the next level; it’s an imporbackground, and we need strong leaders in this company to tant group. A lot of people involved in WiNS really want to
carry us into the future. We need people who won’t be afraid make a difference, and if we can give them the tools to make
to stand up, and speak up, because everyone’s opinion is a difference, that is a huge step not only for our company,
valuable, and it’s a good thing to let people know your per- but for our industry as well.
spective. We need people who won’t be afraid to roll up their
shirt sleeves and make something happen. And I think when To learn more about Women’s History Month and WiNS’ Anniyou get people involved in groups like WiNS, they become versary, click here. Meanwhile, look for more insider insights
comfortable with themselves, and confident that yes, they in the next edition of the Culture Catalyst Series!
can contribute.
WiNS: In your 27 years at NS, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
DT: I came up through the agreement ranks for 10 years and
I’ve worked almost every clerical position there was to work.
I was an Operator at Inman Yard and a Yardmaster in Rome,
Ga.; when working in an area where there weren’t a lot of
women, you had to be prepared to do anything anybody else
could do and you had to not be afraid to ask questions. That’s
part of what being a leader is. The role that I learned most in
was in 1998 when I joined the Conrail team, and traveled for
A writer and speaker for WiNS,
Toastmasters and T-School,
David Ray salutes catalysts of NS culture. edition of the Culture Catalyst
Series!
WiNS is on the Internet!
by Kim Woodard
Have you checked out the WiNS website
at http://wins.nscorp.com recently? In
December 2010, WiNS launched its updated website. One of the coolest features is that previously the website was
only available on Norfolk Southern computers. With some added security measures, you can now access the website via
the Internet. You need to log in (upper
right-hand corner on the main screen)
with your RACF ID and password each
time in order to access all the membersonly features of the site.
Once you’re logged in, you can sign up
for committees, register for events, read
previous newsletters, check books out of
the WiNS libraries, and more!
One way to increase your networking is
to add your photo and some information
about yourself in your profile. You never
know what you might have in common
with another WiNS member or you may
discover a fact that you can use in conversation. For example, I added that I
became a new mom in November – it’s a
fact outside of my NS life that I’m
thrilled to share. What’s interesting
about you that you want others to know?
Do you drive a race car, conduct extensive genealogical research on your family, have cockatiels as pets, travel overseas, or like to spend weekends at the
lake? I bet others do too (or something
similar)!
If you had career or personal information
that you added to the previous website,
this information did not come over in the
transition. Many of you have had career
and life changes since you joined WiNS.
Please take a minute to edit your profile
and update your information.
Leadership Council member Cheryl Mulligan heads up the WiNS website this
year. If you have any questions about, or
have problems with, navigating the site,
we’d be happy to help you. Just send an
em ai l
to
the
WiNS
mai lb ox
[email protected] with your questions or
issues.
A special thank you to Tracy Wadsworth
and his team in Information Technology
for the many hours they put into redesigning, coding, and supporting the site.
WiNS February 2011 Issue
PAGE 4
Without Them … a Point of View
by Jovanni Knight
been many men who have been allies to the movement for
the equality for women. Men like Matthew Vassar and Fre―Anything you can do I can do better. derick Barnard, who petitioned for women in higher educaI can do anything better than you‖. tion and founded schools like Vassar and Barnard.
This is the memorable line of a famous song composed by Irvin Berlin It is worth noting both genders have contributed to helping
for the 1946 Broadway musical ―Annie change the relationship between men and women the last 50
Get Your Gun.” The song is a duet years and to push for equality through education, work, and
performed by a male and a female in society as a whole. As we celebrate the role and accomwho are attempting to out-do each plishments of women throughout history and celebrate this
other in several tasks.
year’s theme ―Our History is our Strength,‖ let’s keep in
mind the men and women who have forged ahead for
The lyrics came to mind as I pondered change.
what to contribute to this quarter’s newsletter which is focused on Women’s History Month, which celebrates and Hats off to Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross;
highlights the contributions and accomplishments of women Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space,
throughout history. From the women’s suffrage movement and all the women who continue to break ranks. We salute
and the right to vote, to Nancy Pelosi being the first woman you! I hope you enjoy this edition of the WiNS Newsletter
Speaker of the House, the fight for equality sometimes and keep an eye out for NS Women’s History Month activities
seems to me to be an ongoing ―I can do better than you‖ taking place in Atlanta, Roanoke, and Norfolk. See you at
battle.
the next event!
Although the fight may sometimes seem one-sided with
women pushing for rights, throughout history there have
Kim Ashley: Meet a Member
Continued from page 2
Ashley has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture
(she is an avid gardener) and a master’s degree in
university affairs
from Virginia Tech.
Her daughter graduated
from Virginia Tech in 2010 with a degree in industrial design and is currently pursuing her master’s
degree at Brunel University in London. Her son is
a junior at Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering. ―We are all avid Hokie fans and love college
football season,‖ Ashley said.
Ashley is a cyclist and has been a member of the
NS Thoroughbred Cycling Team that rides each
spring to raise money and awareness for the
American Diabetes Association. Last year, the NS
team had more than 80 riders who collectively
raised more than $50,000 in the annual Tour de
Cure ride. In fact, the NS team was among the
top ten fundraisers for the ADA’s Tour de Cure
circuit in the United States.
―I plan to ride again on April 16 as the NS Thoroughbreds attempt to top their record from last
year,‖ Ashley said. ―I have also cycled across
Greece, Germany, and this fall will be doing a
two-week ride through the south of France. My
co-workers think I am crazy to spend my vacation
working so hard, but I enjoy the challenge and
think that cycling is a wonderful way to see and
experience a country, not to mention meeting
some truly amazing people.‖
NS Safety Tip….Drive Under Control
by Erica Ray
I remember it vividly. I was about
eight years old, riding in the front
seat of my father’s Jeep when he lost
control of his vehicle. It jumped an
embankment, and flipped over on its
side. I said what I thought would be
my final prayers that day as the Jeep
went careening into the woods just
before flipping. When it was over,
there were five of us dangling from
our seat belts amidst smoke and
dust.
From that day forward, I have worn
my seat belt every single day I have
driven or ridden. At that point in my
life, I could not control the quality of
driving, but I could utilize safety precautions available to keep myself
safe. Now that I am old enough to
drive, I can control the quality of my
driving in addition to wearing my seat
belt. I learned that day 20 years ago,
that some things are out of my control. However, all elements in my
control will be geared towards
safety.
When performing a routine task such
as driving, it is easy to zone out and
be inattentive, which is what hap-
pened to my father. It is an alarming
fact that drowsy driving leads to
more car accidents than drunk driving. It is especially important after a
long day of work to give driving your
undivided attention whether you’re
operating a company vehicle or your
own personal vehicle.
According to the Georgia Department
of Transportation, an average of five
people per day die in car accidents. I
am confident that these people do
not think their lives will be taken at
the wheel of a car. I am also confident that if the car accident was
caused by carelessness on their part,
they would be glad to do it differently if given the chance. That’s the
scary thing – there are no second
chances sometimes.
Per the DOT, the top two contributing factors to fatal car accidents in
Georgia are: following too closely and
failure to yield. Both of these factors
are the result of reckless and unsafe
behaviors. Develop good driving habits, and it may save your life. I was
extremely lucky that day 20 years
ago, and I show my gratitude by driving my car safely.
WiNS February 2011 Issue
Festival of Trees
Hope you Didn’t miss it!
by Marsha Jackson
For those of you who were not able to attend the Festival of
Trees event on Dec. 17, 2010, you really missed a treat. Those
in attendance were delighted to hear the Christina Aguilera
and James Ingram rendition of ―Have Yourself a Merry Little
Christmas,‖ sung by CYO’s Kareem Wilson and Maggie Cole.
The duo added their soulful styling to this popular Holiday
song and received a rousing round of applause.
Several department employees participated in the showcase
and to those we thank and applaud you. Norfolk Southern is
fortunate to have so many talented employees who don’t mind
sharing their skills and talents with others.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the generosity of the NS
family. We collected more than $6,150 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Our total of 2,183 pounds of coins was more
than a ton and the following departments were recognized for
their efforts. Thank you all!
First – Central Yard Operations (389.5 lbs.)
Second - Crew Management Center (301.0 lbs.)
Honorable mention - Customer Service Operations (297.5 lbs.)
PAGE 5
Welcome New WiNS Members!
Atlanta
Jerry Celio
Francesca Francosi
Erin Hensley
Brand Johnson
Lauren Martin
Whitney Mitchell
Mary Ann Mullady
David Norwood
Elizabeth Schmidt
Tracy Wadsworth
Recardo Wimbush
Dennis Wulff
Bluefield, W.Va.
Kayla Smith
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Tyrone Martin
Dearborn, Mich.
Linda Smith
Decatur, Ill.
Laura Binz
Alysia Hicks
Susan Sugden
Greenville, S.C.
Gerald Dill
Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
Rudy Husband
Portsmouth, Va.
Rachael Sears
Princeton, In.
Janice Buehner
Norfolk, Va.
Keith Autrey
Jason Baginski
Will Deshazor
Kimberly Eason
Tia Haywood
Jennifer McDaid
Elizabeth Veverka
Roanoke, Va.
Dana Boggs
Matthew Saxton
Corey Wray
Washington, D.C.
Shaun Sutton
Fort Wayne, Ind.
Yvonne Dunlea
Correction: The WiNS Champion article in the
December 2010 issue was incorrectly credited to Kim
Woodard. The article was written by Anita Brown.
Thanks Anita!
Happy 7th Anniversary WiNS!
Suggestions, comments, and/or questions for the WiNS Editorial Staff or content for future WiNS newsletters can be submitted
directly to Jovanni Knight, editor in chief of the WiNS Newsletter at [email protected]. Please limit newsletter content
to no more the 400 words.
WiNS would like to express appreciation to all who contributed to the newsletter.