Celebrating Leadership: Finalists for the 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking Award
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has unveiled the four finalists for the prestigious
2025 Influential Woman in Trucking Award, showcasing remarkable female leaders who are driving change within the trucking industry. This award, supported by TrueBlue's Centerline Drivers, has been celebrating impactful women since its inception in 2010. The finalists exemplify innovation, leadership, and unwavering support for advancing females in the field.
2025 Award Finalists
The finalists for this year’s awards are:
- - Cindy Ellers - Chief Customer Officer at Fleetworthy
- - Dee Dee Cox - Vice President of Human Resources at Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
- - Katerina Jones - Chief Marketing Officer at Fleet Advantage
- - Leah Shaver - President and CEO of The National Transportation Institute (NTI)
Cindy Ellers - Champion of Inclusion and Growth
Cindy Ellers stands out as the Chief Customer Officer at Fleetworthy, where she drives customer strategy and growth in an ever-evolving industry. Since joining Fleetworthy in 2021, she has played a pivotal role in the company's success, integrating several acquisitions and enhancing its commitment to a customer-first philosophy. With over 15 years of leadership experience, she is an advocate for diversity and inclusion, having launched various initiatives to empower women within and outside her organization.
Dee Dee Cox - Focused on Workforce Development
With three decades of expertise in human resources, Dee Dee Cox has been instrumental in shaping a people-centric workplace culture at Old Dominion Freight Line. Her impact extends beyond HR practices; she has introduced numerous programs to promote leadership and career growth, especially for women and other underrepresented groups in the industry. Under her leadership, the HR team has expanded significantly, demonstrating her commitment to building a supportive and inclusive workforce.
Katerina Jones - Bridging Data and Marketing
Katerina Jones, the Chief Marketing Officer at Fleet Advantage, brings over 20 years of marketing experience to the table. She is known for constructing Fleet Advantage into a billion-dollar brand through strategic client engagement and safety initiatives. As a mentor and industry leader, Katerina has received multiple accolades for her contributions, reinforcing her role as a key figure advocating for women’s advancement in trucking.
Leah Shaver - Driving Recruitment and Retention
Leah Shaver, with nearly 25 years of experience, currently leads the National Transportation Institute. Her work is central to improving driver retention and recruitment strategies in the trucking sector. Leah's dedication to enhancing workplace conditions for drivers not only aids in retention but also attracts a younger workforce, and she continues to create platforms supporting women in trucking.
Panel Discussion and Award Ceremony
The finalists will share their insights in a panel discussion during the upcoming
WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo from November 9-12, 2025, in Dallas. This event will culminate in the announcement of the award winner, who will join the ranks of trailblazing women committed to transforming the trucking landscape.
Conclusion
The Women In Trucking Association continues to play a vital role in championing the employment and advancement of women in the trucking sector. By honoring outstanding contributions, WIT not only acknowledges individual achievements but also inspires future generations of women to pursue careers in this historically male-dominated industry. To stay updated on the WIT and its initiatives, follow them on social media or visit their website.