2027 Leading E.D.G.E. Leadership Development Program
Emerging Leaders Driving Growth & Efficiencies
Invest in your future as a leader in Tennessee’s trucking industry. Develop practical skills, build meaningful relationships, and gain experiences that will strengthen your career.
Developing the Next Generation of Trucking Leaders
The Leading E.D.G.E. Program guides emerging leaders in Tennessee’s trucking industry through a year of hands-on leadership development, professional growth, and real-world industry experiences.
Throughout the program, participants strengthen their communication and leadership skills, explore government relations and advocacy, and work together to address a challenge facing Tennessee’s trucking industry.
The program concludes on Monday, September 20, 2027, during TTA’s Annual Convention (September 19–21) with final group capstone presentations and a graduation ceremony recognizing the 2027 Leading E.D.G.E. class.
2027 Program Experiences
Each session offers opportunities to learn, connect, and put new skills into practice.
Schedule note: All program dates are tentative and subject to change.
January 14 – Leadership Lab & Orientation
Begin the program with orientation and a full-day immersive leadership training session with Michele To, exploring High Road Leadership and applying leadership principles to real-world scenarios in the trucking industry.
Spring – Legislative Team Building & Capitol Visit
Work together on an interactive legislative activity to review a proposed bill, discuss its potential impact on the trucking industry, and explore how legislation can be reviewed and amended to better represent industry interests. Connect with fellow participants over dinner, followed by a visit the next day to the Tennessee State Capitol to meet with legislators and gain insight into the legislative process.
June 24–25 – Public Speaking & Presentation Skills Training
Work with Deborah Boswell to strengthen communication, public speaking, and presentation skills while learning how to confidently deliver effective messages.
July – Zoom Group Capstone Kickoff
Connect with your group, review capstone expectations, and begin collaborating on a final presentation.
August – Effective Meeting Training & Final Capstone Rehearsal
Learn how to plan, prepare for, and lead effective meetings. Groups will also participate in a final capstone presentation run-through to practice together and receive feedback ahead of the Annual Convention.
September 20 – Final Presentations & Graduation at TTA’s Annual Convention
Join us Monday morning, September 20, during TTA’s Annual Convention (September 19–21, 2027) for the final group capstone presentations and graduation ceremony. Participants will share what they’ve learned through their group projects and be recognized for completing the 2027 Leading E.D.G.E. Program—all during the same morning program.
Program Requirements
Participants are expected to commit to the full program experience, including:
- Participating in scheduled program activities
- Volunteering at two TTA events
- Completing a final group project and presentation
Tuition & Eligibility
Program tuition is $1,750 and includes professional headshots and TTA Annual Convention registration.
Applicants must be employees of TTA member companies in good standing. There is no age requirement.
Travel, transportation, and lodging expenses are not included in the tuition.
Take the Next Step
Ready to grow as a leader in Tennessee’s trucking industry? Submit your application through the Tennessee Trucking Association’s official registration page.
Apply Online →Prefer to complete a PDF application? Download the PDF application to fill out and submit instead.
Applications due December 15, 2026
Program dates, including Annual Convention activities, are tentative and subject to change.
Questions about Leading E.D.G.E.? Contact khupp@tntrucking.org.