The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) has honored Katie Petrie as its May 2025 Member of the Month. As the Head of Human Resources at American Expediting Logistics, Petrie is redefining leadership in an industry often unseen by the public but vital to our daily lives.
With nearly a decade in the transportation and logistics sector, Petrie exemplifies a career built on deliberate growth, bold decisions, and a deeply human-centered approach to leadership.
A Unique Path to Logistics
Petrie’s first step into her career was far removed from logistics. She began at Harley Davidson, working in the luxury recreational industry. However, a deeper connection to the world of transportation grew through a graduate school internship with XTRA Lease. That experience marked a turning point, leading her to a full-time role in Missouri, focusing on talent strategy for a company operating an impressive 90,000-trailer fleet across more than 50 locations.
Petrie rose from Talent Manager to HR Director during her seven years there. She honed her strategic skills, deepened her understanding of the supply chain, and prepared herself for even greater responsibilities. By the time she joined American Expediting Logistics, she was ready to make an impact. Starting as Senior Director, she has since grown into her role as Head of HR, shaping a workplace culture centered on compassion, transparency, and strategic foresight.
Passion for a Greater Purpose
For Petrie, the work isn’t just about logistics or operations; it’s about the sector’s indispensable role in everyday life. “The supply chain is the unseen force that powers our world,” she shares. “Knowing that my work has a direct impact on the economy and on people’s lives keeps me motivated.”
Her ability to turn purpose into action has yielded impressive results. Under her leadership, her teams have secured various recognitions, including the 2024 Women in Trucking “Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation” award. Other achievements include awards for Total Rewards (2023) and Talent Development (2024) from Delaware Valley HR Excellence, reflecting Petrie’s dedication to innovative and employee-centric practices.
Resilience That Defines Success
Petrie’s career is a masterclass in resilience. Early on, she moved her family from Wisconsin to Missouri to pursue an opportunity in logistics. It was a daunting leap but one that shaped her future. “That decision required personal sacrifice,” she recalls. “But it proved to be one of the most rewarding risks I’ve ever taken.”
Mentorship, too, played a pivotal role along her path. Influential figures like Steve Bishara, Kim Berriman, and Dr. Joel Nadler helped refine her leadership style, encouraging her to think strategically and act purposefully.
A Vision for Leadership in HR
Petrie’s professional goals are as expansive as they are inspiring. Over the next year, she plans to deepen her strategic contributions at American Expediting Logistics. Looking further ahead, she envisions scaling her leadership to a larger organization while maintaining her commitment to fostering an inclusive, people-first work culture.
Her advice to women entering the logistics space is empowering and direct. “Don’t be afraid to aim high. This industry needs your ambition, perspective, and voice.” And for professionals seeking career wisdom, “Be a business partner first. Understand your area but never lose sight of the broader business goals.”
Life Beyond the Workplace
Outside of her professional life, Petrie wears many hats. A mom of four, she balances HR leadership with family life and personal interests. She stays active as a fitness enthusiast, finds joy in exploring new recipes, and fills her home with music spanning the ’70s to ’90s. Raised on a dairy farm, she cherishes family adventures and the simple magic of seeing life through her children’s eyes. “Seeing the world through my kids’ eyes is so magical,” she says.
When she’s not shaping workplace culture or spending time with family, you might find her binge-watching Navy SEALs.
HR as a Catalyst for Change
For Petrie, human resources is more than just a function within a company. It’s about driving meaningful change. “I’m passionate about building inclusive, people-focused workplaces that drive business results,” she explains. That mission has become her north star as she continues to reshape the logistics and transportation industry from within.
Petrie’s story is a remarkable example of intentional leadership, resilience, and purpose. With leaders like her, the trucking and logistics sector isn’t just moving goods; it’s creating change.
Source: Women In Trucking
