Industry Veteran Recognized as Finalist for Influential Woman in Trucking Award
A dedicated professional with over three decades in the transportation industry has been named one of the three finalists for this year’s Influential Woman in Trucking Award by the Women in Trucking Association. As the Vice President of Enterprise Services at TA Dedicated, her leadership and dedication to safety, compliance, and operational excellence have earned her widespread recognition and respect.
Unlike many who stumble into the field, her journey into trucking was intentional. While studying at Iowa State University in the early 1990s, she found her passion for transportation and logistics through a pioneering degree program. She still remembers calling her mother to share the news of her chosen major. “There was silence on the other end – she had no idea what that was,” she recalls. This early passion has propelled her through a distinguished career that has seen her rise through the ranks and break down gender barriers in a male-dominated industry.
In her 32 years in transportation, she has seen significant changes, especially in the representation of women in leadership roles. Starting her career in operations, where she spent 18 years, she later transitioned to safety and compliance, consistently advocating for improvements and setting a high standard. Now, in her current role, she oversees key areas such as safety, compliance, and contract services. She’s known for her approach to “operational lead safety” – integrating safety into daily operations and making it a fundamental part of every department, rather than a separate function. Her efforts to break down silos across departments have helped foster a more cohesive and efficient work environment, enhancing both safety and productivity.
Balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities has been a challenge, but she credits her success to strong partnership at home and strategic planning. “It wasn’t easy,” she admits, describing how she and her husband made joint decisions about career moves while raising their children. “Family has to come first, but you can still grow your skills and prepare for future opportunities.” Her experience resonates with many who face similar challenges, inspiring others who want to pursue career growth while prioritizing family.
As a seasoned industry leader, she is particularly passionate about attracting younger talent to trucking, seeing this as critical to the industry’s future. With the average new driver entering the field close to 40 years old, she advocates for early career education and an improved industry image to draw younger individuals into the field. “We need to start channeling people into these trades earlier,” she emphasizes, noting that by the time many young adults are eligible for commercial driving at 21, they have already chosen different career paths.
In addition to her responsibilities at TA Dedicated, she has served on various state and national associations, safety councils, and advisory boards. This involvement has enriched her network and industry knowledge, and she encourages other professionals to take an active role in the trucking community. “Find a good mentor that can help you make introductions and get involved,” she advises. “When you find something interesting, it’s not a burden or chore to become more engaged.”
Her outlook on the trucking industry’s future is optimistic, despite challenges such as driver shortages, safety concerns, and economic fluctuations. “Continue to work hard, don’t give up,” she says, acknowledging the cyclical nature of the industry. She believes that even during downturns, preparing for future opportunities is essential for long-term success.
Her recognition as an Influential Woman in Trucking finalist underscores her significant contributions to the field and the strides she has made for women in leadership. Her career exemplifies the evolving face of trucking, highlighting the opportunities available to women in transportation leadership roles. Through her advocacy, commitment to safety, and passion for workforce development, she stands as an inspiring example, paving the way for future generations in the trucking industry.
