Who Leads Next?

FRANK CONVERSATIONS WITH WIT’S NEW AND FORMER PRESIDENT & CEO

In 2007, Ellen Voie sparked an idea to create an association that would bring gender diversity to the forefront of a malepopulated industry. Today, the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is 8,000 members strong and known by many as “the go-to source” for gender diversity in transportation.

In the past many months, Voie and the WIT Board of Directors have been working diligently on a succession plan to bring on board a new leader of the association as she officially transitions her responsibilities in March and ultimately retires June 30. Redefining the Road magazine recently sat down with Voie and incoming President and CEO Jennifer Hedrick to discuss the transition and what’s on their minds.

Hello Jennifer Hedrick, CAE

New Role at WIT: President & CEO

Philosophy: Members’ needs are my highest priority. “If something is important to them, it is to me as well.”

Past Experience: Over 15 years experience in association leadership

Industry Expertise: 5 years as Executive Director with the National Industrial Transportation League (NIT League). Eight years in leadership with the Pellet Fuels Institute, including nearly four years as PFI’s Executive Director. Received the PFI Industry Pillar Award for exemplary service to the pellet industry. Created and executed professional development programs for association executives across several industries.

Critical Strengths: Collaborative leader, team player, and empathic listener, with a keen understanding of the uniqueness of associations and their role in supporting an industry and its members.

Education and Training: Certified by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Master of Arts degree from Virginia Tech, Bachelor of Science degree from Bridgewater College continued on page 8 continued from page 7

What professional industry experience has led you to be qualified as the leader of WIT?

Hedrick: I have more than 15 years association leadership experience, with focus on trade association management. From 2016 to 2021 I led the National Industrial Transportation League (NIT League), where we focused on issues across highway, rail and ocean transportation. While there I advocated on behalf of NITL before Members of Congress and federal regulatory agencies. On highway transportation specifically we led efforts to ensure that drivers and carriers had polices, tools and resources in place to succeed. In addition, I served as spokesperson before trade and national media and at international events and conferences.

What other strengths do you bring to the table as the new leader of WIT?

Hedrick: I enjoy building relationships and have had success with forming collaborative partnerships with corporate partners and sponsors that have created ROI for the associations I’ve worked with over the years. I’m also experienced at building and growing programs such as annual conferences, education and professional development initiatives and creating coalitions of likeminded organizations. I’m excited to bring these strengths to WIT and our members.

What are you most passionate about in your career roles?

Hedrick : I am energized by working with volunteer leaders and members, and building programs and opportunities to advance an association’s mission. I truly enjoy working with and mentoring on career goals and growth opportunities. And I’m always excited to speak about an organization with a strong vision and values, such as WIT, and encourage people to join our efforts.

What are your priorities in your new role as President & CEO?

Hedrick: I’ve already had the opportunity to meet with the WIT Board of Directors and Partners to collaborate on WIT’s three-year strategic plan and 10-year vision, and a key priority will be finalizing that and sharing this vision with members in the coming weeks. I’m getting up-to-speed on current industry issues, benefitting significantly from the mentorship of Ellen Voie as she prepares for retirement, and planning a ride-along and visits to member operations. I’ve been regularly meeting one-on-one with the leadership team, staff, members and key stakeholders. Meeting members, partners and collaborators is a key priority and I look forward to those opportunities at upcoming events including the Truckload Carriers Association, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, and Mid-America Trucking Show.

Farewell Ellen Voie, CAE

Role at WIT: Served as President & CEO since founding the association in 2007

Philosophy: Heavily focused on building relationships with WIT members and growth opportunities for the association

Industry Expertise: Internationally recognized speaker and authority on gender diversity in a male-populated industry. She has been invited to speak to audiences worldwide and has been interviewed by major networks including Fox News, Bloomberg News, and Voice of America.

Recent Recognition in 2022: 10 Most Visionary Business Leaders by Fortunes Crown; 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow by Insights Success magazine; Extremely Impressive Personalities to Watch by The CIO Today; and 10 Most Influential CEOs Reforming Business by Insights Success magazine.

Education and Training: Certified by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Master of Arts degree in Communications from University of Wisconsin-Stevens, CDL from Cuyahoga Community College.

WIT has come a long way since you founded it. What achievements are you most proud of?

Voie: When I started WIT in 2007, gender diversity wasn’t perceived to be an issue. Carriers repeatedly said they “just hire the best person,” regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity. It was rare to find a company that tracked data on female drivers, leaders or directors. But I began pointing out that trucks were designed for men, rest rooms and showers weren’t always accessible for women, and uniforms were all men’s sizes. We’ve made a tremendous difference in the industry. Today, companies are tracking their diversity and inclusion information, creating employee resource groups to support diverse and underserved communities, and they are celebrating and featuring women in all areas. There has been a huge shift from treating everyone the same to better understanding what women bring to the industry.

What are your most memorable moments during your tenure as WIT President & CEO?

Voie: When I was recognized by the White House as a “Transportation Innovator Champion of Change,” I was able to bring my Board of Directors to the White House for the event and we were the only group recognized from the trucking industry. I’m also extremely proud of the fact that we attracted 1,750 registrants to the 2022

Accelerate! Conference and Expo in Dallas –doubling it from the prior year.

What are the most impactful initiatives you worked on that will make a difference for women in the industry?

Voie: Our mission to encourage the employment of women in the industry, address obstacles, and celebrate success guides all of our initiatives. In each of these areas we have accomplished a great deal, from whitepapers, growing our communication and social media channels, creating dynamic recognition programs and annual events. All of these have impacted the industry in a positive way. I’m also proud of the work we’ve done with truck manufacturers to make the cabs more adaptable for smaller statured people and the partnerships we have with the truck stops to create a safer environment.

What are your plans as you retire from WIT?

Voie: My goal is to stay connected to WIT as its founder and plan to continue the weekly show on SiriusXM’s Road Dog channel 146. Also I would like to serve on a few boards and add my expertise of 44 years in the industry, both from the regulatory aspect and the gender diversity area. On a personal note, I’m looking forward to welcoming my third granddaughter in July and plan to spend more time with my family. n