Yesterday, September 16, 2024, marked a significant milestone for the Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) as we celebrated the graduation of our 2024 Leading Edge class at the 94th annual convention. This exceptional group of professionals has demonstrated remarkable dedication, growth, and leadership throughout the program, setting a new standard for excellence in the trucking industry.
A Diverse and Talented Class
The 2024 Leading Edge class brings together a wealth of experience and expertise from various sectors of the trucking industry. From safety management to finance, operations to sales, this year's graduates represent the diverse landscape of our field. Let's meet some of the outstanding individuals who make up this year's class:
- Joshua Wichman and Ashley Simmons from Covenant Logistics, both serving as Enterprise Safety Managers, bring years of experience in loss prevention and safety-related roles.
- Ashton Storey, VP of Finance/CFO at Titan Transfer Inc., oversees financial operations and contributes to the company's growth.
- Jonathan Gipson, with over 20 years in the industry, serves as Director of Service for the Dobbs Truck Group.
- Jeremy Faircloth, Midwest Regional Manager at P&S Transportation, brings 11 years of industry experience to the table.
- Connor Eli from TCW focuses on customer service and relations in operations.
- Bri Law, the Tennessee Trucking Foundation Coordinator, represents the organizational side of the industry.
- Chris Fugatt, Operations Supervisor for McKee Foods Corporation, contributes 22 years of experience as both a driver and supervisor.
- Michelle Hosford from Kenco brings an impressive 28 years of experience in driver qualifications and assessment.
- Jase Carvell, Territory Fleet Salesman at Rush Truck Center, represents the sales aspect of the industry.
- Christian Courts, Branch Manager at MHC Kenworth, joined the program to prepare for higher levels of management.
A Year of Growth and Learning
The Leading Edge program, launched in 2023, has quickly established itself as a premier leadership development initiative in the trucking industry. This year's class built upon the success of its predecessor, engaging in a variety of enriching experiences:
- The program kicked off with insights from Adam Saner, a 2023 alumnus from Titan Transfer, who shared valuable advice on maximizing the Leading Edge experience.
- In April, participants visited the state Capitol, gaining firsthand knowledge of how legislation impacts our industry and enjoying a tour of the historic building.
- June brought public speaking training with Deborah Boswell, honing the class's presentation skills.
- The program culminated in presentations to industry peers on crucial topics such as women in trucking, driver health, and future safety technologies.
Looking to the Future
As we bid farewell to the 2024 class, we're excited to see how these graduates will apply their newfound knowledge and connections to drive innovation and progress in their respective roles. The Leading Edge program continues to shape the future leaders of the trucking industry, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of advancement and excellence.
Congratulations to all of our 2024 Leading Edge graduates. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for the industry have been truly inspiring. We can't wait to see the impact you'll make as you continue your journey in the world of trucking.
Join the 2025 Leading Edge Cohort
Are you ready to take your career in the trucking industry to the next level? Applications for the 2025 Leading Edge cohort are now open!
Click here to apply or learn more about the program. Don't miss this chance to be part of the next generation of industry leaders.