Dwayne Gibson named Railway Track & Structures’ 2026 Engineer of the Year

Sep 09, 2026

Safe, reliable rail service depends on leaders who plan ahead, solve complex challenges, and help their teams perform at their best. For more than 23 years, Dwayne Gibson has built that experience across Norfolk Southern Engineering.

Railway Track & Structures has named Gibson its 2026 Engineer of the Year, recognizing his leadership, technical expertise, and contributions to the railroad industry.

As NS' AVP of Maintenance of Way & Structures, Gibson helps lead Engineering Line Maintenance across six divisions and the Engineering Planning and Technology team. Together, these teams support the safe and reliable operation of approximately 29,000 track miles maintained by NS across 22 states.

Experience built across the railroad

Gibson joined NS as a management trainee in 2003 after earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from Virginia Tech. A first-generation college graduate and first-generation railroader, he was drawn to a career that combined engineering with hands-on fieldwork.

Since then, Gibson has held 13 positions of increasing responsibility, building experience across field and program maintenance, production operations, infrastructure planning, material distribution, and other systemwide programs. That progression has given him a broad understanding of the railroad and prepared him to lead through complex projects, operational challenges, and technological change.

Dwayne Gibson in rail yard with employees

Leadership in action

Throughout his career, Gibson has focused on planning ahead, leading from the front, and preparing teams for what comes next. That approach is reflected in his work across the railroad:

Delivering through complex challenges: From preparing four tunnels for double-stack trains as part of the Heartland Corridor project to leading Engineering’s Hurricane Helene recovery, Gibson has helped teams execute through complex operational challenges.
Advancing technology with expertise: Gibson has helped expand NS’ use of automated track inspection technology while keeping engineering experience and judgment at the center of infrastructure decisions.
Developing the next generation: Through coaching, mentorship, and hands-on training, Gibson helps future engineering leaders build the knowledge and experience needed to take on greater responsibility.

What they’re saying

“Engineer of the Year is a recognition of NS Engineering that I accept on behalf of my team, my mentors over the years, my family, and everyone who has supported me throughout my career,” Gibson said. “Achieving success is the result of true teamwork.”

Ed Boyle, NS' VP of Engineering, said Gibson’s impact has been evident throughout his career.

“Dwayne has excelled in every NS Engineering role he has taken on. He has made our department better, and he has made our railroad better. I know what he does as a leader, and it is great to see the industry recognize him for his outstanding efforts.”

Read Gibson’s full Railway Track & Structures 2026 Engineer of the Year profile to learn more about his career, leadership philosophy, and approach to developing people and advancing technology.

By Brett Willi, Senior Communications Manager

Brett Willi leads internal communications for Norfolk Southern, focusing on safety, compliance, operational excellence and employee engagement. He also oversees communications for Engineering and Mechanical. Brett joined NS in 2025, with 20 years of strategic communications, digital content and analytics expertise.