Leading North America’s Railroads with Faith: Michael Miller, CEO of Genesee & Wyoming
Michael Miller
CEO of Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
Website: www.gwrr.com
Michael Miller is CEO of Genesee & Wyoming Inc., ensuring safe and efficient service for customers in 43 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. He previously served as G&W’s Chief Commercial Officer for eight years and President of G&W’s North American operations for five years.
Prior to joining G&W in 2010, Michael was General Manager of Norfolk Southern’s Modalgistics Supply Chain Solutions, where he improved customers’ supply chain efficiencies through rail, transload and intermodal service. He also held logistics-related positions at Georgia-Pacific and Roadway Express.
Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and a master’s degree in business management from North Carolina State University, which is where he met Shannon, his amazing wife of 31 years. Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Michael sees his role as a ministry—leading with Christlike humility and pointing others to the peace found only in Jesus.
Building a Platform for Ministry Through Work
Michael shared that while he once served as a youth pastor, a difficult church experience pushed him away from organized ministry. Yet he never turned his back on God. Instead, he realized his workplace could become his mission field.
Rather than preaching from a pulpit, Michael models Christ’s love through compassion, humility, and servant leadership. He leads 4,200 employees not only with strategy but with a heart that reflects Jesus. As Scripture says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Servant Leadership and the Example of Christ
For Michael, the cornerstone of leadership is humility. He points to Jesus washing the disciples’ feet as the ultimate model of servant leadership. In a corporate world where leaders are often expected to dominate, Michael believes true influence comes from serving.
He notes that people watch leaders far more outside of meetings than inside—how they treat a waiter, a colleague in the hallway, or even their own family. For him, leadership is about being consistent, transparent, and Christ-centered.
Facing Loss, Finding Strength
Michael has walked through deep valleys, including the painful loss of his father and younger brother. Through those trials, he learned the limits of his own strength and the power of prayer.
As a CEO with a “fixer” mindset, he once believed he had to provide solutions to every problem. Now, he recognizes that loving people and praying for them is often more powerful than trying to “fix” them. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7) has become a guiding verse in how he leads through loss.
Navigating Leadership Challenges with Faith
Running a major corporation means making hard decisions—sometimes even ones that affect people’s livelihoods. Michael admits those moments have taken him to the altar in prayer, asking God for peace and wisdom.
He sees his role not just as managing assets but stewarding God-given talents—both in people and resources. Even when tough choices are necessary, Michael trusts God’s hand in the outcomes. To him, Jesus is the real Chairman of the Board, and his job is to align business decisions with God’s will.
Legacy and the Call to Give More
As Michael reflects on the future, his focus shifts from career milestones to eternal impact. He and his wife Shannon are exploring ways to serve more directly, including prison ministry, adoption of older children, and care for the elderly.
He knows that his legacy won’t be measured by his bank account or his CEO title, but by the lives he has touched through Christlike leadership. His billboard to the world would be simple: “No matter what, I love you. —Jesus.”
That message captures his life’s mission—to let others know they are loved beyond measure by the Savior who brings peace, purpose, and eternal hope.
Written by Jovilyn Dela Cruz
“The most important thing for a leader is humility. And the greatest example of humility is our Lord Jesus Christ—washing the disciples’ feet to show us what true servant leadership looks like.”
