Goldman, a 21-year CSX veteran, helped steer “the transformation of the business” and the transition of three CEOs in eight years, according to the railroad. He assumed his current position in November 2017, providing leadership and oversight for CSX’s legal affairs, government relations, risk management, police and infrastructure protection, environmental, and audit functions. Goldman initially joined CSX in 2003 as General Counsel-Business and later expanded his responsibilities to include corporate governance. Before being appointed as Chief Legal Officer, he served as Vice President of Risk and Compliance and General Counsel. Prior to joining CSX, Goldman served as a partner at law firms Foley & Lardner and McGuireWoods and as a founding partner of Stoneburner, Berry & Goldman. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Brandeis University and a Juris Doctor and master’s degree in business administration from Duke University. Additionally, he participated in CSX’s Executive Leadership Forum with Harvard Business School in 2011 and 2012.
Goldman will step down from his post Jan. 1, 2025.
“Nathan’s contributions to CSX have been highly valued, and his expertise and dedication have been instrumental to our organization,” said CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs, Railway Age’s 2025 Railroader of the Year. “His leadership will leave a lasting legacy, having developed the best group of legal, regulatory and compliance professionals in the industry. We are grateful to Nathan for his outstanding service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Michael Burns is currently Vice President and General Counsel of CSX. When he takes on his elevated role Jan. 2, 2025, he will oversee all of CSX’s legal and regulatory affairs, the corporate secretary’s office, risk management, police and infrastructure protection, environmental and hazmat, and audit functions. Since joining the Class I railroad in 2006, Burns has risen through the ranks, initially focusing on employment and benefits law before assuming responsibility for the full law department and additional functions such as corporate secretary, risk management, and environmental and hazmat responsibilities. Prior to CSX, Burns practiced labor and employment law at an Indiana firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Wabash College and a Juris Doctor from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
“With 18 years of dedicated service and extensive experience with the company, Michael’s promotion to Chief Legal Officer will bring invaluable insight and stability as we advance our strategy to deliver profitable growth,” Joe Hinrichs said. “This leadership transition underscores CSX’s commitment to growth and highlights our confidence in the exceptional depth of talent within our organization. We are fortunate to have an outstanding team of railroaders poised to harness our current momentum and propel us toward even greater success. I am grateful for the dedication of our team and excited about the opportunities ahead.”
