No. 23: CSX

CSX Logo
Why It’s on the List

CSX received the Top Company for Diversity-Management Progress award at DiversityInc’s special-awards ceremony in November 2011. CEO Michael Ward, who accepted the award and also spoke at the event, ties 20 percent of executives’ bonuses to diversity. Assistant Vice President of Diversity and Chief Diversity Officer Susan Hamilton chairs the executive diversity council. Executive compensation is tied to council goals, and the council has rotational positions for resource-group members.

Eighty percent of CSX’s philanthropic endeavors were directed to multicultural nonprofits. Ward is well known for his personal philanthropy; he donated $1 million to the Wounded Warrior Project, a national nonprofit for severely injured service members. What is not well known is other CSX executives’ personal philanthropy contributions. Chief Operating Officer Oscar Munoz donated $1 million to the United Way Achievers for Life Program for at-risk schools, and Technical Director Ed Perez chaired the Jacksonville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

CSX is the only two-time winner of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Freedom Award for support of the military. Its military inclusion group promotes awareness of the U.S. Armed Forces by serving as a liaison and coordinator for events such as Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day/Military Appreciation Day, July 4 and Armed Forces Day.

CSX received DiversityInc’s Top Company for Diversity-Management Progress special award in 2011.
Diversity Leadership
Michael J. Ward Photo Michael J. Ward
Chief Executive Officer:

“At CSX, diversity is a business imperative and a critical element of our vision to be the safest, most progressive North American railroad, relentless in the pursuit of customer and employee excellence. Our diversity goals recognize that to be prepared for the future, our workforce must represent the potential pool of new employees, our customers, our shareholders, and the communities in which we operate.”
Susan Hamilton Photo Susan Hamilton
Chief Diversity Officer:

“With our workforce demographics changing, we are committed to filling the pipeline of new employees with diverse candidates who can contribute unique perspectives and the skills to help us continue to be successful. Minorities who are successful in front-line, middle management and executive jobs validate diversity and demonstrate its enormous potential.”
Company Information

U.S. Headquarters: Jacksonville, Fla.

U.S. Employees: 31,838

Last Year’s DiversityInc Top 50 Ranking: No. 17
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