The number of women filling positions in the truck transportation sector has more than doubled over the last 20 years. The hard data indicates that more than 12 percent of truckers are female, and nearly half of industry positions are filled by women. An industry that was once considered male-centric has made considerable gains.
“Women are propelling the transportation industry forward every day through innovative thinking, leadership, and collaboration. This prestigious award was developed in 2010 to honor these women who are making or influencing key decisions in corporate, manufacturing, supplier, owner-operator, driver, sales, or dealership settings, have a proven record of responsibility, mentorship, and serve as a role model to other women in the industry,” Angela Lentz, Chief People Officer at Daimler Truck North America, reportedly said.
That’s why it’s only fitting the Women in Trucking Association announces three deserving finalists for the 2023 Influential Woman in Trucking Award.
Tori Blake: Chief Financial Officer and Co-owner, Western Logistics Express and WLX
Her role at Western Logistics involves financial management, talent acquisition, employee development, and strategic visioning. The organization has been touted among Kansas City’s up-and-coming companies and best places to work. Blake was also named the Kansas City Business Journal’s 2023 CFO of the Year.
Megan Ferguson: Vice President of End-to-End Delivery Acceleration, Walmart
Her 15 years of experience at Walmart and Sam’s Club give Ferguson a deep understanding of transportation and merchandise operations. She signed on with Walmart in 2007 as a Private Fleet Intern and has risen through the ranks, holding down roles such as Project Manager of Walmart’s Private Fleet Strategy after earning a Supply Chain Management degree at Michigan State University.
Shelley Simpson: President, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
During her 29-year career at J.B. Hunt, Simpson rose through the ranks, holding posts that included leading Integrated Capacity Solutions, Truckload, Customer Experience, and Highway Services. Her most recent challenge is serving as Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President of People and Human Resources. She was named one of the Top 100 Women in Supply Chain and one of the Top 100 HR Professionals by the National Diversity Council in 2022, among other honors.
The winner of the 2023 Influential Woman in Trucking is set to be announced at the Accelerate! Conference & Expo Nov. 5-8 in Dallas, TX. The finalists are expected to serve as a panelist for the Unstoppable Women in Trucking You Must Know About panel discussion on Nov. 7.
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