James A. Hixon

Mr. James Hixon was appointed to the Board of Visitors of Old Dominion University on July 1, 2002 and was reappointed to a second four-year term on July 1, 2006. He served as Rector of the Board from 2004-2006, and currently serves as a member of the Administration & Finance, Audit and Institutional Advancement Committees.

Mr. James Hixon is Executive Vice President Law and Corporate Relations of Norfolk Southern Corporation. He is the Chief Legal Officer and has corporate responsibility for Law, Government Relations, and Corporate Communications. Prior to assuming this position, he was Executive Vice President Finance and Public Affairs where he had responsibility for Accounting, Financial Planning, Treasury, Taxation and Public Affairs. His prior positions include Senior Vice President Administration, Senior Vice President Employee Relations, and Vice President Taxation.

He served as Chairman of the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust (a $30 billion industry trust fund for retirement benefits) from February 1, 2003, until January 31, 2004, and now serves as a Trustee. He serves as Board Member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Board Member of the Foundation for Virginia. He is active with the American Red Cross of Southeastern Virginia and has served as Board Member for many years, including Chairman. Mr. Hixon is a member of the Virginia Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

Mr. Hixon received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1976, and received his J.D. and M.L.&T., in 1979 and 1980 respectively, from the College of William & Mary School of Law.

Mr. Hixon resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia.