John M. Scheib

John Scheib is a partner in Gentry Locke’s General Commercial Practice Group. He is the former Chief Legal Officer and a former senior executive of Norfolk Southern Corporation, and has extensive deal-making, legislative, regulatory, and business experience. The majority of John’s career has been spent working in the legal aspects of the transportation and railroad industries. He has experience in strategic communications and strategic planning as well as in managing internal teams across a variety of practice areas. He is adept at managing administrative tasks as well as identifying and implementing process improvements.

John has served on the advisory board of several companies and previously served on the board of directors for Conrail. He served as President of two captive insurance companies. John also served on the board of directors for the United States Chamber of Commerce from 2018 to 2020 and is an active member of the Virginia Bar Association’s Transportation section. He currently serves on the Virginia Bar Association Board of Governors, on the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, and as President and Chair of the Board of Scouting America Tidewater Council.

Executive Education

•Harvard Business School, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Certificate: General Management Program (2015)
Honors: Strategy Competition Finalist
•University of Virginia Darden School of Business, Charlottesville, VA
Executive Education for Norfolk Southern Employees (2007)

A quick handshake

•People would be surprised to know...

I volunteered to go to Bosnia to help set up new institutions after the war.

•Based on the number of Pirates bobbleheads you own, it's safe to assume you're a big Pittsburgh fan - right?

Absolutely. In addition to being a fervent Pirates fan, I'm also an enthusiastic member of Steeler Nation.

•Do you have any hobbies?

Yes - Scouting! I'm currently the President of the Tidewater Council BSA, serving more than 4,700 scouts and scouters. I'd say it's more of a passion, really, and it runs in the family! My son, daughter, and I are all proud Eagle Scouts. It's a huge part of my life. I've even worked 9 summers at a Scout camp. Sharing this passion of mine with others is incredibly rewarding. I look forward to many more summers at camp!

Experience

Legal Counsel

Recognized legal elite with more than twenty years practicing law and leading and evolving a law department based on four pillars - quality legal advice timely, position for positive outcomes, cost effectiveness, and develop people. Extensive experience in commercial, litigation, regulatory, and antitrust law.

Government Relations and Communications Leader

Developed comprehensive media, political, and legal strategies to position NS as thought leader. Led multiple government relations campaigns to advance or oppose legislation or regulations. Led legal and public relations efforts to fight off takeover attempt. Coordinated cohesive public relations campaign called “Reimagine Possible” to position company as industry thought leader on technology in transportation, which was awarded Silver Bull Dog award for Best Public Relations campaign.

Vision/Strategy

Leveraged data analytics to drive vision, direction, and culture change in Legal, Government Relations, Corporate Communications, Human Resources, and Labor Relations functions. Innovates with new tools, systems, and processes to streamline business operations, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs. Redesigned and focused organization around lowering the effort for customers to interact with the company, which is proven to be the key driver of customer loyalty.

Board Member and Advisor

Served on for-profit and not-for-profit boards and advisory boards to refine strategies and test management assumptions and plans.

Fundraiser and Trainer in Civic Roles

Chaired and worked 2020 Friends of Scouting campaign that is second best in Southern Region of BSA and finished at 180% of 2019 campaign.

Professional Experience

•Provided legal support to and worked with clients on a broad range of issues, including regulatory, legislative, and government relations issues; commercial contracts; business and transactional matters; antitrust issues; litigation strategy; and board issues.
•Has worked with companies of all sizes to advance their business interests through effective lawyering.
•Representative clients include Class I railroad that was target of takeover, including advising the Board of Directors; Class I railroad in regulatory proceeding to gain approval of acquisition of another Class I railroad; commercial vacuum company in commercial contract drafting; and a consulting firm in agreement drafting and negotiation.
•Served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of the nation’s premier rail transportation companies with $11.5B in revenues and operating 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Prior to this, John served as General Counsel/General Attorney, then Senior Vice President of Law and Corporate Relations, then Executive Vice President of Law and Administration/Chief Legal Officer for Norfolk Southern Corporation.

Awards

•Listed in Best Lawyers in America for Corporate Law (2024 - 2026)
•Named to the Leaders in the Law List by Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2023)
•Named a Virginia Legal Elite, Virginia Business Magazine (2011-2013, 2018, 2023-2025)
•Awarded the Surface Transportation Board Award for Excellence (2003)
•Received the Secretary’s Team Award, from Secretary of Transportation, Norman Y. Mineta (2005)
•Named Outstanding Young Virginian of the Year, awarded by the Virginia Jaycees (2002)
•Eagle Scout

Case Studies

The results of client matters depend on a variety of factors unique to each matter. Past successes do not predict or guarantee future successes.
•Feb 20, 2025 - Port Commission Oversteps Its Authority in Pursuing Railroad
•May 20, 2024 - Railroad’s Track Cannot Be Taken by Local Development District
•Nov 17, 2023 - STB Holds That Town Can’t Thwart Development of Rail Facilities

Library

•26 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 2025 Virginia Business Legal Elite List
News
Dec 2025
•31 Gentry Locke Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers 2026 Lists
News
Aug 2025
•Tariffs and Legal Remedies: Excusing Contractual Performance in Virginia
Articles
Apr 2025
•Deregulation and Preemption of State Laws in the Railroad Industry: When Less May Be Better Than None
Articles
Mar 2025
•Fourth Circuit Allows Administration to Implement Anti-DEI Orders Pending Appeal
Articles
Mar 2025
•Port Commission Oversteps Its Authority in Pursuing Railroad The results of client matters depend on a variety of factors unique to each matter. Past successes do not predict or guarantee future successes.
Case Studies
Feb 2025
•Gentry Locke Partners Alicha M. Grubb and John M. Scheib Elected to New Virginia Bar Association Leadership Positions
News
Jan 2025
•29 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 2024 Virginia Business Legal Elite List
News
Dec 2024
•Will New DOL Minimum Salary Increase Affect Your Business - Not Anymore!
Articles
Nov 2024
•Will the New DOL Minimum Salary Increases Affect Your Business, and Is the Fluctuating Workweek a Viable Alternative?
Articles
Oct 2024
•35 Gentry Locke Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers 2025 Lists
News
Aug 2024
•Railroad’s Track Cannot Be Taken by Local Development District The results of client matters depend on a variety of factors unique to each matter. Past successes do not predict or guarantee future successes.
Case Studies
May 2024
•23 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 2023 Virginia Business Legal Elite List
News
Nov 2023
•STB Holds That Town Can’t Thwart Development of Rail Facilities The results of client matters depend on a variety of factors unique to each matter. Past successes do not predict or guarantee future successes.
Case Studies
Nov 2023
•Local Counsel Can Help Prevent You From Being Vinny Gambini’d
Articles
Nov 2023
•The Surface Transportation Board Issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Comments Due October 23, 2023
Articles
Sep 2023
•30 Gentry Locke Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers 2024 Lists
News
Aug 2023
•What if the STB Greenlights Its Small Rate Case Arbitration Proposed Rule?
Articles
Jan 2023
•Three Former In-House Counsel Join Gentry Locke as Partners
Articles
Dec 2022
•Eight Gentry Locke Attorneys Elected to Local Bar Association Leadership Roles
News
Oct 2022
•Are You Ready to Raise Capital for Your Business? Take a Beat to Avoid Problems
Articles
Aug 2022
•Trucking Industry Dealt a Blow: What You Should Know
Articles
Jul 2022
•Gentry Locke Welcomes Transportation & Business Partner John M. Scheib to Its General Commercial Practice Group
News
Jul 2022
•2023 Gentry Locke Seminars
Events
May 2022