[4] Elliot earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and forensic science from Indiana University.

Elliott is a member of the Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences Executive Dean's Advisory Committee.

[6] Prior to assuming his role as Administrator, Elliott had a 40-year career in the U.S. freight rail industry, beginning as a railroad police officer in Elkhart, Indiana.

Most recently, he served as vice president of public safety, health, environment and security for CSX Transportation, where he was responsible for hazardous materials transportation safety, homeland security, railroad policing, crisis management, environmental compliance and operations, occupational health management, and continuity of business operations.

[7][8][9] Elliott is a recipient of the Association of American Railroads Holden-Proefrock Award for lifetime achievement in hazardous materials transportation safety.