Earl Wacker has been employed by CSX Corporation (or a predecessor) since 1971. He began his railroad career as a switchman for the B&OCTRR (Baltimore & Ohio Chicago Terminal Railroad) in Chicago. He worked various operating positions for the railroad before transferring to CSX Intermodal in 1992. He spent 6 years working various Operating and Administrative positions for the Intermodal company, including assisting in the design and construction of 59th Street Intermodal Facility, and was a member of the CSX Chicago Conrail Acquisition Team.

In 1998, he returned to the railroad and helped form the CSX/IHB Operations Center in Calumet City. In 1999, the year of the Conrail Acquisition by CSX and NS, he was named Director of Train Operations for CSX Transportation’s Chicago Division.

In February 2003, he was appointed to the Chicago Transportation Coordination Office (CTCO), and was named Director of the CTCO in August of 2003.