Women In Trucking Association announces its May 2022 Member of the Month
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Charlene Frelix Johnson as its May 2022 Member of the Month. Charlene is a professional driver for Republic Services and has been with the company for more than four years. Charlene is one of the few women in her division at Republic Services, the East Mesa yard. She hauls loads of trash and hazardous materials across her service area five days a week, provides exceptional service and stops at nothing to succeed within her role. She is a shining star on the team, highly respected, and serves as the go-to for many operational challenges within the field. Growing up in Mesa, Arizona, Charlene is a family-oriented woman and very grounded within her faith. She is the mother of two children and takes every opportunity to show them the value of hard work and dedication. She decided to enter a male-populated industry and take on all challenges that are associated with her role. Her wittiness, strategic mindset, and personable attitude bring her success within the workplace. Charlene is well known by the customers within her service areas and does an outstanding job of building positive rapport and relationships with the customers on the route. Her customers look forward to her service on a weekly basis. For example, one day a young child was admiring her truck as she drove down the street collecting the containers for service. After completing the street, Charlene circled back to the location of the child, stopped, and allowed him to look at the inside of the “big blue truck.” He was amazed and thoroughly enjoyed his time looking at all the controls and buttons in the truck. Within her leadership, Charlene is a great teacher. She jumps at the opportunity to lead and teach her fellow drivers. Her positive energy is contagious, and she has a soft touch in communicating with her colleagues. When she’s not at work, Charlene enjoys spending quality family time with her five beautiful grandchildren.
MHS Lift named Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for third year in a row
MHS Lift, Inc., an award-winning, nationally recognized material handling equipment company, has been named one of the 2022 Top Workplaces in the greater Philadelphia area by The Philadelphia Inquirer. This is MHS Lift’s third Top Workplaces distinction in three years (2020, 2021, 2022). For the last 13 years, The Philadelphia Inquirer has partnered with Exton-based company Energage to rank the region’s Top Workplaces through a scientific survey of employees who rate their workplace culture. Any organization with at least 50 employees based in the Delaware Valley area is eligible to participate. “We are honored to be selected again as a Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer,” said Andy Levin, president, MHS Lift. “We know our success stems from our dedicated team, so it means so much knowing this distinction comes from the positive opinions and feedback from our valued employees.” “MHS Lift started as a small business selling forklifts in 1970,” added Brett Levin, Vice President, MHS Lift. “Today, we work with over 2,200 customers across the country. Without our hardworking team, this level of growth wouldn’t be possible. We’re proud to provide them with competitive benefits, a positive work environment, ongoing training and education, and opportunities to advance.”
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) announces addition of Greg Ferrara to Board of Directors
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has announced the election of Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the National Grocers Association (NGA), to its Board of Directors. “I am proud to announce the addition of Greg Ferrara to NAW’s Board of Directors,” NAW CEO Eric Hoplin said. “Greg is an incredible leader, who brings tremendous insights from the grocery industry, one of the most important categories of distribution. As the president and CEO of the National Grocers Association, Greg understands how a trade association can best serve its members. We look forward to his guidance and insights as NAW continues to work to strengthen and support the wholesale-distribution industry.” “It’s an honor to join the NAW Board of Directors and I appreciate the opportunity to further the important work done by our organizations, especially on public policy issues, such as labor and tax, that have a direct impact on wholesaler distribution businesses,” Greg Ferrara said. “NGA and NAW have a strong working relationship and I look forward to continuing our partnership to support the wholesale-distribution industry in Washington, DC, and beyond.” From joint letters to Congress to form a coalition to stand against devastating tax hikes, NAW and NGA have a long-standing history of working with one another to strengthen their respective industries and member organizations. We are proud to continue this partnership as we welcome Greg Ferrara to our Board of Directors.
Essentra Tapes appoints new sales manager for Latin America
Leading global easy-open and close tapes manufacturer Essentra Tapes has appointed a new sales manager for the Latin America region, Carlos Valle. The market-leading tear tape and applicator manufacturer has invested heavily in the LATAM region and the appointment of Valle, who will be based in Brazil, is a key part of Essentra Tapes’ global expansion strategies. Valle will be a key decision-maker in the team responsible for delivering new tear tape and applicator business in the region. Christopher Morgan, Global Sales Director at Essentra Tapes, welcomed Valle to the team, saying, “We are tremendously pleased to welcome Carlos into our Latin America team. He brings decades of experience and an impressive track record to the business, and we look forward to seeing his work as we continue to grow and strengthen our LATAM operations. “Carlos will help create and implement our LATAM sales growth strategy. He will also work on executing our key account plan, working with the key account team. His role is a crucial one and we wish him a long and successful career here.” Valle has over 26 years of experience in sales and business development roles. He joins Essentra Tapes having most recently worked for IKA Brasil Equip, also as a sales manager. On his appointment, Valle said, “I am delighted to join the Essentra family as part of the rapidly expanding Tapes business. As sales manager, I look forward to delivering tear tapes and applicator solutions to the diverse markets we work with, including paper and board, flexible packaging, eCommerce, tobacco, FMCG, and more. It’s an exciting time to join Essentra Tapes and I cannot wait to get started.”
Felling Trailers signs Floyd’s Truck Center as authorized dealer
Felling Trailers, Inc. has signed Floyd’s Truck Center as an authorized Felling Trailers dealer. Floyd’s Truck Center has nine locations spanning Northcentral to the Northwestern United States; Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana. All the Floyd’s Truck Centers sell and service Felling Trailers’ complete product line, consisting of over 240 models, ranging from 3,000 lbs. light utility to 120,000 lb. hydraulic detachable gooseneck trailers. Mike Pitts, Felling Trailers’ Northwestern Regional Sales Manager, worked with Michael Gillam, VP of Sales Floyd’s Truck Center, to familiarize their sales team and get them acquainted with the Felling products lines. “We are excited to have Floyd’s Truck Center as part of Felling Trailers’ dealer network. It allows us to provide customers with first-class sales and service support throughout their regional territory,” said Pitts. “We are happy to be an extension of the Felling Trailers team. Their expansive product line is an ideal pairing to our existing product lines, allowing us to provide our customers with the right trailer for their transportation needs,” said Michael Gillam. Floyd’s Truck Center was founded in 1948 when Floyd Gillam started a small truck and farm machinery repair shop in Scottsbluff, NE. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Floyd’s Truck Center operates nine locations throughout Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana. Floyd’s sells and services Freightliner, Western Star, and Autocar trucks along with Felling and several other top trailer brands.
Essentra Tapes appoints new North American sales manager
Global easy-open and close tapes manufacturer Essentra Tapes has announced the appointment of a new sales manager, Mitch Larkin. Larkin, based in Colorado, USA, will be a key member of the team responsible for sales growth strategies for North America. The appointment comes as the Essentra Tapes business continues to expand on a global scale, with its tape solutions used in diverse sectors including paper and board, flexible packaging, tobacco, luxury goods, eCommerce packaging, and more. Christopher Morgan, Global Sales Director at Essentra Tapes, welcomed the appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Mitch on board at a time when we are expanding and upskilling our North American sales team significantly. Mitch brings over 16 years of commercial sales expertise to our team and has had particular success in paperboard, corrugated, plastic bottles, and flexible packaging. “Mitch will be responsible for delivering tear tape and applicator business, primarily in the paper and board and flexible packaging markets but also driving sales in other key markets, too. Our mission is to continue to grow our North American business, and I am sure Mitch’s experience will be invaluable as we introduce even more customers to our market-leading tear tape solutions.” Larkin, a graduate of California State University, has over 25 years of sales and business development experience. His appointment follows that of Morgan, who became global sales director in February, and the appointment of a US-based category sales manager, Evan Mazzoni. On his appointment, Larkin said, “There is never a bad time to join a market leader, but it is an especially exciting time to join Essentra Tapes now as the US-based team is experiencing significant growth. I look forward to getting started and playing my part to drive sales in the region as part of Essentra’s global strategy.”
Westminster Hydraulics is now a Merlo dealer
Westminster Hydraulics in Taneytown, Maryland is now a Merlo dealer. Mid-Atlantic area businesses needing truck-mounted equipment, liftgates, cranes, and attachments know to call upon Westminster Hydraulics. Now, Westminster supplies Merlo telehandlers and Rotos to the Mid Atlantic market. “Bringing on the Merlo product line further expands our ability to adapt to customer needs,” said Michele L. Cooney, Westminster Hydraulics Vice President. “We did our research to find a line that complements our existing offerings. The Merlo Roto is a strong, quality-driven option for material handling equipment, in both the arbor and construction sectors, that will help us serve our expanding market.” “Westminster is a stellar company that understands its market and the customers within that market,” said Brian Hatch, AMS-Merlo Territory Manager. “The Merlo Roto fits well with their market plan.” Over the years, Westminster’s small and nimble team of highly skilled individuals has grown the company to expand its offerings to include everything from fabricating & upfitting, to service, parts, and sales. “Our Team”, Cooney said “is our work family. We aim to create an environment and provide meaningful benefits that show how much we value their dedication.” This caring for the employee carries over to caring for the customer. “We take great pride in providing a level of customization, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality that is distinct in our builds. Cooney added. “Merlo Rotos fit this commitment. We provide honest guidance and reliable support to all our customers.” “With the Merlo Roto, tree care businesses can create a complete package of rotating telehandlers with grapple saw. Hatch said. “And, their construction and utility customers now have another option for safe, material handling at height.”
Wildeck welcomes Shannon Grall as VP of Human resources
Wildeck, Inc, the largest U.S. manufacturer of industrial steel work platforms, material lifts, access solutions, and safety guarding products, has been continually growing its business and workforce. Wildeck is committed to providing an excellent environment for new and existing employees and making the onboarding process as smooth as possible. To fulfill this need, Wildeck is thrilled to welcome Shannon Grall as the new Vice President of Human Resources. Shannon will work to develop a high-performing, people-oriented culture at Wildeck. She will also be responsible for core processes such as payroll, benefits administration, training, compliance, employee data management, and enforcing the company’s core values. In her role, she will collaborate with other departments to improve the organizational design and workforce planning, while creating an exceptional onboarding experience for new employees. “We are very pleased to have Shannon join our team,” said Dan Lorenz, President of Wildeck. “In this market, it is essential to attract and keep top talent. We are confident that, with Shannon’s expertise, Wildeck will receive greater recognition as a Best Place to Work and employer of choice.” Shannon joins Wildeck with an impressive twenty-plus years of human resource leadership experience, ten of which were spent as a human resource business partner in both corporate and operational roles in manufacturing. Prior to Wildeck, Shannon held a variety of HR positions at Molson Coors Beverage Company and most recently was the Sr. Talent Acquisition Manager – where she was responsible for all the North American hourly and salaried recruitment. Shannon has a strong focus on talent management and a passion for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent among client groups and HR teams.
Wildeck hires Chris Horn as VP of Engineering
Wildeck, Inc, one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of industrial steel work platforms and safety guarding products, has been continually growing its business and workforce. Wildeck is committed to ensuring the development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet the current and future needs of the company. To fulfill this need, Wildeck is thrilled to welcome Chris Horn as the new Vice President of Engineering. Chris will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee activities in the Engineering Department. He will also identify, recommend, and implement new technologies and systems to improve organizational processes and decision-making, while also keeping up to date on new developments in the field of engineering or product design. “We are so excited to welcome Chris to the team,” said Dan Lorenz, President of Wildeck. “As Wildeck continues to grow and evolve we recognize the importance of ensuring our technologies and systems are up-to-date to increase efficiency and productivity. Chris’ background makes him the perfect fit for the job.” Chris joins Wildeck with an illustrious twenty-plus years of engineering and management experience, starting as a nuclear weapons specialist for the United States Air Force. Chris was most recently the Director of Engineering at Douglas Dynamics. Prior to that role, he spent several years in various engineering roles at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Chris has a strong focus on product development and a passion for design and manufacturing engineering.
Hyundai Material Handling adds leadership depth with three new appointments
Hyundai Material Handling, North America, has announced the hiring of three new team members to deepen dealer engagement and expand its national sales efforts. Cecil D’Antignac will join the company as district sales manager for the Southeast region. Mr. D’Antignac brings over 28 years of material handling industry experience to Hyundai. With his deep knowledge of the needs of both lift truck sales professionals and end-users, he will be responsible for dealer development and market share growth. Jeffrey Mathews brings over 20 years of material handling experience to his new role as a national accounts manager. Mr. Matthews spent the last 10 years in national accounts management with Hyster-Yale Group. He will play a leadership role in helping Hyundai build strong, enduring relationships with key accounts. As part of our efforts to always deliver the highest quality dealer service, Jason Taylor will support Hyundai dealers as a technical trainer for the brand. Mr. Taylor has worked as a professional technician for over 20 years and brings diverse, first-hand experience to support the business. “We’re excited by the depth of experience these new appointments bring,” said Lewis Byers, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Hyundai Material Handling. “We’re committed to supporting our dealers with the best products, best service, and best people. We think these new hires are proof of that – and our commitment to continuous improvement.”
Martins gets tough about safety with Checkpoint
MARTINS a household name in the North American tire equipment industry recently acquired the UK-based Checkpoint, a global provider in wheel safety. With Checkpoint, Martins adds to its extensive line of products a host of wheel safety solutions, namely a variety of visual indicators of nut movement. Checkpoint also comes with 30 years of expertise that started with its founder, CEO, and inventor, Mike Marczynski. The renowned expertise and superior quality of Checkpoint are what motivated the acquisition. It will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable addition to the Martins brand and will enable them to offer even more quality products to their customers. “We’re proud to now count in our ranks the extensive know-how and knowledge of the Checkpoint team, as well as the reputation for quality the brand has justly acquired over the years,” said Martin Dépelteau, CEO of Martins. The plan moving forward is to integrate Checkpoint within the Martins world in the most seamless way possible, and without changing anything that makes the wheel safety brand great. For any Checkpoint team member, partner or client, this means it’s business as usual in terms of operations, distribution, quality, and personality. Martins wants to continue to fully support B2B distribution for Checkpoint and the excellent work the team is doing and believes adding this dynamic to their existing lines of products reinforces their presence in the market in every aspect. This will certainly lead to plenty of opportunities to grow down the road. Martins Industries offers innovation and reliability. They design, manufacture, and sell high-quality supplies and equipment for all types of tires and wheels to improve safety and efficiency in the workplace. With numerous distribution centers, a foothold in North America, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, they’re ever ready to drive results. Shops around the world trust Martins to support them on their paths towards efficiency.
Hyundai Material Handling retains LKH&S for marketing
Hyundai Material Handling, North America, has selected LKH&S, Chicago-based marketing, and advertising agency to be its agency of record. Hyundai Material Handling, known for its quality manufacturing, is looking to the agency to generate more top-of-mind awareness, drive sales, and establish a leadership position in the marketplace. “This was a long time coming and we’re ready to support our dealers with best-in-class marketing,” said Lewis Byers, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Hyundai Material Handling, N.A. “LKH&S has experience working with forklift brands and knows our category well. They get what we’re trying to do, and I think they will become a great partner.” LKH&S has a more than 30-year history in both B2B and B2C marketing and advertising, working on over 100 industry-leading brands. Its most recent material handling experience was with UniCarriers Americas, and past experience includes other capital equipment manufacturers such as International Truck, Caterpillar, Case Construction, and Hyster. “My colleagues and I are thrilled to be working with such a storied, global brand. The quality of their products is only exceeded by their constant desire to innovate,” said Stanton Lewin, managing director and principal at LKH&S. “In keeping with their spirit, we’re ready to work together to innovate and help Hyundai transform the material handling industry.” LKH&S will begin developing a marketing infrastructure for Hyundai and start the planning process immediately.
AFFLINK LLC hires Todd Gatzulis as Senior Vice President of Business Development
AFFLINK LLC, a global provider in supply chain management, announces the appointment of Todd Gatzulis as Senior Vice President of Business Development. Gatzulis, an industry veteran with over three decades of experience, will oversee AFFLINK’s corporate sales and supply chain functions, reporting to President and CEO Dennis Riffer. “We are excited to welcome Todd to AFFLINK. His experience and track record of success in the industry make him a prodigious addition to our organization,” said Riffer. Gatzulis joins AFFLINK with over 30 years of experience. During many of those years, he served in various roles at Henkel/Dial, a worldwide leader in innovations, brands, and technologies in the business areas of beauty, laundry, and home care. Upon departure, Gatzulis held the title of President/General Manager of the Diversified Markets Division, the commercial business unit for Henkel North America. Gatzulis actively participated on the Executive Committee for Henkel Consumer Goods North America for nine years during his tenure. Most recently, Gatzulis served as the Chief Operating Officer for ViaClean Technologies, a biotech company that develops, manufactures, and markets environmentally responsible solutions to protect surfaces. In addition to his professional experience, Gatzulis has dedicated himself to numerous non-profit organizations and industry boards, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, and the Sanitary Supply Wholesaling Association. “I am honored to join the leadership team at AFFLINK; they have done a tremendous job evolving as the commercial markets have continued to change and consolidate,” said Gatzulis. “I look forward to utilizing my years of experience and training alongside Dennis Riffer and his team. AFFLINK has a great culture and a passion for winning, making this new opportunity extremely exciting for my family and me.”
UWL expands global footprint with new offices
UWL, a top 20 American-owned NVOCC, and global logistics solutions provider are expanding its global footprint with the opening of two new strategically located offices: one in Long Beach, CA, and one in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In addition to enabling localized support to meet customer demand in these markets, this strategic investment also sets the stage for UWL’s continued growth. UWL, part of the World Group family of transportation and logistics companies, experienced record-breaking container volume in 2021 and is poised to continue to grow through innovative customer-centric solutions, enhanced services, and geographic expansion. “As UWL has expanded our global ocean services, we have had to move west and to the far east to support those services,” said Duncan Wright, UWL President. “With highly disruptive supply chains, our customers need us to have boots on the ground to help coordinate shipments and ensure they get the space and equipment to move freight. Strengthening our position in these markets answers the call from our customers looking to us as their logistics solutions partner to offer both local support and a global perspective.” “As the industry diversifies trade route options, we are confident our investment in Long Beach and Ho Chi Minh City will meet the needs of our current customer base as well as set the stage for future growth,” added Wright. According to World Shipping Council 2020 rankings, the Port of Long Beach is firmly established as the second-largest container port in North America based on total container volume. The Port of Ho Chi Minh City is the 26th largest container port in the world, and North American container volume out of Vietnam increased 32% in 2021 compared to 2020. That growth is projected to increase as the industry looks to diversify its trading routes. “The commitment to our partners on the ground in Vietnam and Southern California is at the heart of our decision to put a team in place in these markets. We see this as an investment in our customers, our company, and our future,” Evan Hartman, Senior VP of International Operations for UWL. “Our goal for today and tomorrow is to be where our customers need us, offering the customized, hands-on support they require to navigate a highly volatile logistics environment.” As an asset-based NVOCC, UWL has introduced additional technology and end-to-end services to respond to customers’ needs and address marketplace challenges. Its sister company, World Distribution Services (WDS), recently secured a brand-new 303,000 sq ft distribution facility in the Pacific Northwest, giving customers an additional destination option as well as distribution options. “For more than 60 years, our organization has worked to get ahead of market trends, providing forward-thinking solutions to our customers while supporting supply chain fluidity. This expansion into Long Beach and Ho Chi Minh City is the latest example of our people understanding where the market is going, anticipating customer needs, and developing solutions to keep freight moving. We will continue to explore and leverage opportunities that expand our customer service offerings and align with our strategic growth plans,” said Fred Hunger, Chairman of World Group, the parent company of UWL and WDS.
Newsweek Magazine names Franklin Electric to list of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2022
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2022. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list can currently be viewed on Newsweek’s website. “We are honored to receive recognition for the work we do to implement sustainable business practices not only on a global scale but at home in Fort Wayne, Indiana,” said Gregg Sengstack, Chairperson of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “Across all the communities we operate in, we are committed to expanding the availability of clean water, creating products that help with resource conservation, and addressing growing environmental safety concerns around fueling.” Franklin Electric has made significant investments in research and development to improve the efficiency of its products and continues to deliver products such as the MagForce™ High-Efficiency Motor System. Additionally, the company’s Global Product Supply team has placed a heavy focus on sustainability initiatives within Franklin Electric’s production and manufacturing facilities across select global facilities. For 2020 this included LED lighting upgrades, air quality control systems, waste stream audits, solar panel installations, and UV mitigation efforts. Franklin Electric is also committed to reducing water consumption, for example, by eliminating the washing process for circuit boards in its Guadalupe, Mexico manufacturing facility, which is expected to save 5.9 million gallons of water per year. The company is also recognized worldwide for its commitment to helping some of the most underserved communities access safe, clean drinking water. The Franklin Wells for the World Foundation (FWWF) provides safe, reliable, and cost-effective water supplies to developing regions, focusing on Africa where the need is greatest. To date, the FWWF has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in over 10 countries by bringing clean water to the surface. America’s Most Responsible Companies were selected based on publicly available key performance indicators (KPIs) derived from CSR Reports, Sustainability Reports, and Corporate Citizenship Reports as well as an independent survey. The KPIs focused on company performance in the environmental, social, and corporate governance areas, while the independent survey asked U.S. citizens about their perception of company activities related to corporate social responsibility.
Alta Equipment Group appoints Craig Brubaker as Chief Operating Officer
On April 12, 2022, Alta Equipment Group Inc. (“Alta”), a provider of premium material handling and construction equipment and related services, announced the appointment of Craig Brubaker as Chief Operating Officer, a new position at the company, effective immediately. Since 2006, Mr. Brubaker has served as Vice President, Operations at Alta. Craig joined Alta in 1995 after completing his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo. Mr. Brubaker has held several operations positions of increased responsibilities before being promoted to VP of Operations. Previously, Craig held positions as Systems Manager, Rental Manager, General Service Manager, and Regional Operations Manager. As Chief Operating Officer Mr. Brubaker will report to Alta’s Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Greenawalt, and oversee day-to-day operations of both material handling and construction equipment segments. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Brubaker as Chief Operating Officer. Craig brings a great track record of success and strong operational experience during his time at Alta,” said Ryan Greenawalt, Chief Executive Officer. “I look forward to the contributions he will continue to make as part of the Alta family.” “I am excited to step into my new role as COO and look forward to using my experience in leading Alta’s operations over the past 16 years to help build on the company’s future success and continue to drive operational improvements across the organization,” said Mr. Brubaker.
ASSP elections highlighted by Sullivan’s upcoming move to president
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the world’s oldest professional safety organization, has announced its new leaders for the 2022 Society elections. All terms begin July 1. Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM, will serve as ASSP president for 2022-23. “Our Society’s strength is rooted in our dedicated volunteers and their desire to take on key leadership positions,” said ASSP President Brad Giles, P.E., CSP, STS, FASSP, GIOSH, whose term ends June 30. “Engaged safety professionals have always defined ASSP, keeping it vibrant and advancing worker safety and health everywhere.” ASSP’s top elected positions – all part of its Board of Directors – are president, president-elect, senior vice president, vice president of finance and directors-at-large. Each is a one-year term, except for the three-year terms of the vice president of finance and directors-at-large. The succession of leaders from senior vice president to president-elect, and from president-elect to president, is automatic. Following are snapshots of ASSP’s newly elected leaders, whose influence and contributions will help shape the Society and the profession while sustaining the organization as a global leader for workplace safety and health. • President Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM, is senior vice president and risk control director at Sompo International. She has 30 years of safety experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in human factors engineering from Tufts University. Her Society honors include the Charles V. Culbertson Outstanding Volunteer Service Award and Risk Management and Insurance Practice Specialty Safety Professional of the Year. She is a past vice president of the Council on Professional Development. A member since 1996, she resides in Glastonbury, CT. • President-Elect James Thornton, CSP, CIH, FASSP, FAIHA, is a former EHS director at Huntington Ingalls Industries, the nation’s largest military shipbuilder. He is an ASSP Fellow with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Auburn University and a master’s degree in industrial hygiene from Texas A&M University. He earned the Society’s President’s Award and twice received the Charles V. Culbertson Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. A member since 1998, Thornton will be president in 2023-24. He resides in Hampton, VA. • Senior Vice President Pam Walaski, CSP, is a senior program director with Specialty Technical Consultants, Inc., and an adjunct faculty member for the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Safety Sciences Department. She was a director-at-large on ASSP’s Board of Directors from 2018-21. Her Society honors include the Charles V. Culbertson Outstanding Volunteer Service Award and Region VIII Safety Professional of the Year. An ASSP member since 2003, Walaski will be president in 2024-25. She resides in Templeton, PA. • Director-at-Large Steven Gray, CSP, CHST, is the senior site workplace health and safety manager at Amazon. He has held numerous leadership positions within ASSP, including vice president, Council on Region Affairs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology from Oklahoma State University. A member since 2001, Gray has earned Safety Professional of the Year at the Society, region and chapter levels and received the Charles V. Culbertson Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. He resides in Virginia Beach, VA. Joining these four leaders on ASSP’s 2022-23 Board of Directors are Vice President of Finance Linda Tapp; Directors-at-Large Maribeth Anderson, Tim Page-Bottorff and Daniel Snyder; and Public Director Ken Rueter. Jennifer McNelly, CAE, has served as the Society’s CEO since 2018. Candidates for the board must be professional members who possess specific qualifications. The criteria include involvement in an ASSP committee or task force, a record of positive contributions to the occupational safety and health profession, support and understanding of the Society’s vision, and being an effective motivator who is results-driven. Find a complete list of the Society’s 2022 election results on the ASSP website.
Sunstate Equipment ups Krause to COO
Sunstate Equipment has announced the appointment of Bob Krause as their new Chief Operating Officer. A long-time industry veteran, Krause will now lead General Rental and Trench Division Operations, Sales and Marketing, and Business Excellence. Headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., Sunstate currently has 93 locations throughout fifteen states, with accelerated growth on the horizon. “As Sunstate continues our ongoing evolution from a small mom-and-pop rental company in the desert, opened back in 1977, to a leading national equipment rental supplier, internationally recognized for our world-class customer service,” said Chris Watts, Sunstate Equipment President and CEO, “we are pleased to have Bob step into this role. In the two years, he’s been with us, his depth and breadth of rental experience have been a tremendous asset and will greatly complement the next phase of our growth.” Krause joined Sunstate Equipment in 2020 as Vice President of Business Excellence, where he invested his time learning as much as he could about Sunstate’s rich history, core values, and culture, all of which were fundamental in Krause’s decision to accept the position. “It was immediately clear to me that Sunstate was a company where our shared values aligned,” Krause recalled of his first meeting with Watts. “I already knew about the strong reputation that Sunstate had in the marketplace, but I was not aware of how strong and good the culture was until I met Chris.” Sunstate’s position in the industry has been long-established as one that puts people first, nurturing a culture that empowers employees to provide best-in-class rental solutions to their business partners. Upholding their unique total team approach is paramount to Sunstate’s long-term growth plans as they continue expanding into new markets and specialized industry sectors. “Bob’s personal and professional values align perfectly with our people-first culture,” said Watts. “This ensures that as we continue to grow and evolve, we will always remain true to the most basic of principles that have brought us the success we have enjoyed for the past 45 years.” Krause brings thirty-seven years of rental experience to the role, including top positions with Blueline Equipment Rental (Corporate Vice President of Business Excellence), United Rentals (Regional Vice President – western United States, Alaska, western Canada), and HERC, where he first cut his teeth in the industry as an Inside Sales Rep to learn the business from the ground up after earning a degree in Construction Management from North Dakota State University. “I am extremely honored and humbled at the opportunity to become the Chief Operating Officer of Sunstate Equipment,” Krause said. “I look forward to working with the entire Sunstate team as we continue to grow our business, maintain our extraordinary culture, and promote our brand by providing exceptional customer service across the markets that we serve.”
Women In Trucking Association names new Director of Driver Engagement
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has named Andrea Adeyanju as its new director of driver engagement. Adeyanju will be responsible for deploying and managing programs and services that enable WIT to encourage more women as professional drivers, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles they face in the trucking industry. Adeyanju will be responsible for managing existing programs that engage new and existing driver members of WIT. She also will oversee the association’s LeadHERtrucking driver mentoring program, the Girl Scout Patch Program, the Driver Ambassador Program, WITney (the educational trailer that encourages career awareness of professional female drivers), the WIT Image Team, and orchestrating ride-alongs of key stakeholders in government policymaking and the overall industry. Adeyanju has more than 10 years of experience in the commercial freight transportation industry. Most recently, Adeyanju was safety director for FMCSA compliance and human resources manager for Bulkley Trucking; vice president of administration for Sudbury Transportation; and safety administrator for ACI Motor Freight. Adeyanju holds a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University and holds safety certifications from the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI) and OSHA’s Safety Training Institute. “WIT has created this new director of driver engagement position to support our goal to effectively serve our professional drivers,” said Ellen Voie, president and chief executive officer for WIT. “Andrea’s comprehensive background in the trucking industry and her passion for creating a better, safer work environment for female drivers align with WIT’s goal to support this segment of our membership. We are excited for Andrea in the coming months to apply her expertise that will enable WIT to create a more driver-inclusive association that brings value to this critical segment of our industry.”
Fairchild Equipment receives 2021 Yale Dealer of Excellence Award
Fairchild Equipment is excited to announce its recognition as a 2021 Yale Dealer of Excellence, the company’s top honor for members of the Yale® dealer network, making Fairchild a 27-time recipient of this award. This award recognizes dealers for developing and maintaining the pillars of highly successful materials handling organization, including expert industry knowledge and dedication to customer support. “It is always one of our primary goals to be recognized among the top performers of the brands we serve,” Van Clarkson, President of Fairchild Equipment, states. “I very vividly recall when I first came to work here eight years ago, Gary Fairchild making it very clear, ‘We will win the Dealer of Excellence award every year. To this day, it remains a requirement here at Fairchild. We are truly honored to be recognized with this group of great partner dealers,” Clarkson continued. “Our dealer network is integral in providing the expert knowledge and support that drives customer satisfaction and attracts new business while providing a competitive advantage,” says Bob Sattler, Vice President of Dealer Business Development. “Every year, the Dealer of Excellence recipients demonstrate their willingness to enhance capabilities and commitment to the safety and well-being of their associates, while meeting the increasingly demanding recognition criteria.” Award-winning dealers meet rigorous standards in areas such as service, training, customer satisfaction, new unit sales, and general management tactics. These measures are updated annually to reflect evolving customer expectations and industry standards.