The Truckload Carriers Association has announced the group selected to take part in its 2026 Elevate Young Leadership Program, an initiative focused on developing future leaders across the trucking industry.
A total of 18 professionals from carrier and associate member companies were chosen for the upcoming class. The program is designed to help participants deepen their understanding of the trucking industry while building leadership skills and professional networks that extend beyond their current roles.
The class will be formally introduced during TCA’s Annual Convention, scheduled for February 28 through March 3 in Orlando, Florida.
Purpose of the Elevate Program
TCA launched Elevate to prepare emerging leaders for long-term careers in trucking by exposing them to industry operations, policy discussions, and peer collaboration. Participants take part in a structured mix of in-person meetings, assigned projects, educational sessions, and virtual programming throughout the year.
“Elevate has quickly become an important platform for developing and connecting the next generation of trucking leaders,” said Zander Gambill, TCA’s vice president. “The program continues to grow in both reach and impact, offering participants valuable access to industry insights, leadership development, and peer-to-peer connections that support long-term career success.”
2026 Elevate Young Leadership Class
The Class of 2026 represents a range of roles across operations, safety, recruiting, insurance, legal services, and fleet management. Selected participants include:
- Tyler Atkinson, vice president of customer relations, Northern Logistics
- Riley Braegger, vice president of operations, Tramcor Corp.
- Liam Conroy, transportation specialist, TrueNorth Companies LC
- Megan Eddy, human resource generalist, America’s Service Line
- Andrew Hummer, vice president of operations, Don Hummer Trucking Corp.
- Jerrit Judie, recruiting supervisor, National Carriers Inc.
- Toni Jones, senior vice president and chief brokering officer, Alliant Insurance Services
- Marc Leggio, vice president of operations, Greater Omaha Express
- Tim Livingstone, manager of fleet, facility, and fuel, Kriska Transportation Group
- Lee Meier, marketing manager, CAT Scale Co.
- Kurt Plummer, president and owner, Logisticize
- Michael Reed, partner, Scopelitis Law Firm
- Ben Rima, sales executive, Cottingham and Butler
- Kaedon Steinert, operations manager, Hurricane Express
- Julie Strokos, sales team lead, Tenstreet
- Ty Walker, chief operating officer and director of finance, Stokes Trucking LLC
- Mark Wnuk, director of trailer maintenance, Landstar Transportation Logistics Inc.
- Cristina Ungureanu, safety manager, KPO Logistics Inc.
What Participants Can Expect
Throughout 2026, Elevate participants will engage in leadership development activities alongside peers from across the industry. The program blends education with practical collaboration, giving participants exposure to perspectives from carriers, service providers, and industry organizations.
TCA positions the Elevate program as part of its broader effort to support continuity and leadership development within trucking as the industry faces workforce transitions and long-term operational challenges.
Program Information
Those seeking additional information about the TCA Elevate Young Leadership Program can contact Erica Bledsoe at 571-444-0314 or via email at ebledsoe@truckload.org.
Source: The Trucker
