“The award was developed in 2010 to recognize female leaders and to attract and advance women in the trucking industry,” explains WIT in their press release. “The award highlights the achievements of female role models and trailblazers in the trucking industry.”

Finalists for the 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking Award:

Lisa Gonnerman, vice president of enterprise services, TA Dedicated

Lisa Gonnerman is a seasoned professional in the trucking industry with over 32 years of experience. Her leadership in safety practices has shaped national policies, and she is dedicated to mentoring future leaders, particularly women in trucking. She has held prominent roles, including National Chair of the American Trucking Association (ATA) Safety Management Council from 2019 to 2021, and was named ATA National Safety Director of the Year in 2016. Her influence extends to organizations like the Minnesota Safety Council, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, and the FMCSA’s CSA subcommittee.

Sheri Aaberg, chief operating officer, Transport Enterprise Leasing

Sheri Aaberg is renowned for creating empowering workplaces within the trucking industry over the last 24 years. Since joining TEL in 2014, she has driven the company’s growth from 1,200 to over 9,300 leased vehicles, and expanded operations from Chattanooga to Indianapolis. Her leadership roles include serving on the board of the Used Truck Association and active participation in various industry forums. Her efforts have significantly contributed to TEL’s excellence in performance and team development.

Tracy Rushing, executive director of safety, RE Garrison Trucking Inc.

Tracy Rushing began her career 30 years ago in Forest, Mississippi. Her extensive knowledge in safety management and driver relations has been pivotal since joining RE Garrison in 2022. Rushing is an influential member of several industry associations, including Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), Truckload Carriers Associations (TCA), and Safety & Maintenance Management Council of the Alabama Trucking Association (SMMC). Her achievements include being the Alabama Safety Director of the Year Runner-Up in 2023. Known for her commitment to mentoring women in the trucking sector, she continues to champion their roles in this essential industry.

The 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking finalists will share their insights during a panel discussion at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas, from November 10 – 13, 2024, where the winner will deliver a HERstory speech.

Source: The Trucker/ Women in Trucking 

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The announcement was made during the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, following a panel discussion on Unstoppable Women in Trucking.

The other exceptional finalists for the award were Tori Blake, CFO and co-owner of Western Logistics Express and WLX, and Megan Ferguson, VP of end-to-end delivery acceleration at Walmart.

“It’s a privilege for Women In Trucking to recognize Shelley Simpson as our 2023 Influential Woman in Trucking award winner,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO. “Shelley’s passion and leadership for this field, including her commitment to expanding gender diversity in transportation, have been evident throughout her nearly 30-year career.”

In a show of support, Angela Lentz, chief people officer at DTNA, champions Simpson and her fellow nominees.

“On behalf of Daimler Truck North America, our congratulations to all of the remarkable finalists for the 2023 Influential Woman in Trucking award who have and continue to work tirelessly to create expanded opportunities for women in our industry,” Lentz said. “In addition, I want to congratulate Shelly Simpson for being named the 2023 Influential Woman in Trucking. Her amazing and vast career, commitment to others and impact on trucking are all impressive accomplishments worthy of this unique recognition.”

Simpson’s impressive career at J.B. Hunt has seen her go from an hourly customer service representative to the company’s president. Throughout her time at the company, she has held various positions and taken on numerous responsibilities.

In 2007, Simpson became the president of Integrated Capacity Solutions, a business unit that she helped establish. She then took on sales and marketing executive roles in 2011 and became the chief marketing officer. In 2014, she assumed the position of president of J.B. Hunt’s truckload business segment.

In 2017, Simpson was appointed as the chief commercial officer, leading the strategic direction of marketing, sales, customer experience, and product development. Additionally, she played a significant role in the global commercialization of J.B. Hunt’s technology platform, J.B. Hunt 360°.

Not only has Simpson been a trailblazer within the company, but she has also made a name for herself within the industry and the community. She serves on the board of multiple organizations, including the Mercy Health Foundation and the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board for the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Simpson has received several prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Woman in Logistics award and the ATHENA Woman of the Year award.

In 2022, Simpson took on the role of president and now oversees all aspects of the company’s operations. She continues to make a difference in the industry and has been recognized as a top influencer in her field.

Simpson’s journey started in Russellville, Arkansas, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Arkansas. She resides in Rogers, Arkansas, with her husband and three children.

Source: The Trucker

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