Women In Trucking Association Sets Vision & Elects New Officers

The Women In Trucking Association held a two-day strategic planning session to determine its future direction and to approve the appointment of its executive officers. Chairwoman Leigh Foxall welcomed new members to the board of directors, Chris Burruss, Truckload Carriers Association, Phyllis Cochran, Navistar, and Jan Hamblin, J. J. Keller and Associates Inc.  These directors join Foxall, Internet Truckstop; Marge Bailey, DriverFinder.net; Elisabeth Barna, American Trucking Associations Inc; Jeff Hammonds, Walmart; Maggie Peterson, YRCW; Mark Rousseau, Frito-Lay North America; Deb Whistler, FleetOwner Magazine. The board, under the direction of Ray Drake, UPS Central Region Public Affairs Manager, established the direction for the organization for the next 5 years during the strategic planning session. The mission statement was reviewed and activities were prioritized in alignment with the vision of the nonprofit corporation. Top priorities include offering a best practices white paper to avoid harassment issues in driving training situations, honor influential women in the trucking industry and encourage the employment of women in both supporting roles and driving positions in trucking.

Due to recent board changes, vacant executive committee roles were filled. Foxall continues to head the organization as chairwoman. Mark Rousseau was approved as vice chairman, Jeff Hammonds as treasurer and Jan Hamblin as secretary. Each of these terms extend through the remainder of the year and will be reviewed at the annual meeting in March 2011.