The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Natalie Kathain as its August 2024 Member of the Month. Kathain is the chief human resources officer (CHRO) at Amerit Fleet Solutions.
Kathain’s passion for her role as the CHRO at Amerit Fleet Solutions is palpable. She loves her job! She has been responsible for driving human resources strategy, developing talent, employee engagement, and communications, and overseeing safety and compliance programs for this fleet maintenance and repair provider.
Kathain has embraced a modern, personalized leadership model with business professionals helping to form and implement Amerit Fleet Solutions’ strategy. “We’re going to elevate this company,” she says. She takes pride in creating and cultivating a diverse, inclusive work environment. Understanding working moms’ challenges, Kathain was resolute in being a voice for women in the male-dominated industry. “When I became a manager at Amerit,” she recalls, “I promised myself to promote and elevate women, and I am proud of the strides we’ve made.” Amerit Fleet Solutions continues to grant platforms for other women in the organization.
Today, Amerit Fleet Solutions boasts a thriving learning and development team that crafts comprehensive training programs, fostering continuous professional growth, according to Kahtain. The Amerit team works tirelessly to ensure Amerit employees are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the fleet industry. To further enhance employee satisfaction, Amerit Fleet Solutions’ dedicated engagement team actively promotes a positive, inclusive culture. This team now implements strategic initiatives designed to increase employee involvement and retention and recognize achievements.
Amerit Fleet Solutions has a thriving employee resource group (ERG) program, as part of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiative. Amerit developed the Women’s Initiative Network, an ERG dedicated to empowering women, establishing connections, and adding value to communities while developing unity in the workplace. They meet every month, and women come together and support each other.
Kathain’s advice for women in the industry is not just a suggestion but a call to action. She urges them to seek out like-minded individuals to work with: “Find women who support each other. Build relationships and partnerships and have positive conversations with each other.
Kathain is the first C-level female executive at Amerit, marking much progress for the company and the fleet management industry. Kathain wants women to understand that they can succeed in trucking and maintenance in supervisory roles, ADP roles, director roles, senior leadership, and others. “I want them to know that there’s growth and diversity in this industry and that we can call on so many more that we can help elevate,” she says. “We can change the narrative, the whole perspective that people now have. As we bring more women into this industry, we will be a changed industry.”
It is worthy to note that only 4% of truck technicians are women, according to the 2024 WIT Index, the industry barometer to regularly benchmark and measure the percentage of women who make up critical roles in transportation. However, in contrast to this low percentage, women in leadership roles are in the double digits: Approximately 34.5% of company leaders (defined as those who supervise others) are women and 28% of C-suite executives are women.
Kathain is honored to have the opportunity to make an impact and strive for excellence, which is proven by her persistence in adapting to industry developments. “Just the privilege to be in this role working alongside such an amazing team is so gratifying,” She says. Kathain’s number one goal as CHRO is to “drive equality one mile at a time” as she fosters an inclusive workplace where every individual’s voice is heard and valued, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future. “I also have had amazing women who have elevated and mentored me, and I want women to be promoted, elevated, and get a seat at the table in return.”
Kathain holds on to her legacy and excels at championing her people. Her journey is not just impressive but also inspiring for those who aspire to grow in their careers.
