#United States #Alexandria #NATSO #Matt Mildenberger #Travel Centers

NATSO Welcomes New Leadership for 2026

On March 9, 2026, NATSO, the association representing truck stops and travel centers across America, proudly shared the installation of its new Board of Directors following their recent meeting. The new leadership team is set to navigate the evolving landscape of the travel center industry and drive forward essential changes.

The Board of Directors is now under the guidance of Matt Mildenberger, President and CEO of Mittens Travel Center in Oakley, Kansas, who has been named the 2026 Chairman. Mildenberger assumes this role after taking the helm in late 2025, succeeding Joe Zietlow, the former Industry and Trade Association Manager for Kwik Trip Inc., who retired. In expressing his excitement about this new role, Mildenberger commented, "I am proud to have the opportunity to lead NATSO alongside a dedicated team of travel centers and fuel retailers. The travel center industry is undergoing rapid changes, driven by increased competition, evolving regulations, and changing customer demands."

Joining Mildenberger in the leadership team is Raina Shoemaker Fromm, Co-owner of Shoemaker's Travel Center, who has been appointed Chair-Elect. Bob Wollenman, General Managing Partner of Deluxe Truck Stop, will serve as the Immediate Past Chair, while Marko Zaro, CEO at Road Ranger, continues in his role as Secretary/Treasurer. These officers bring a wealth of experience to the table, fortifying NATSO's mission to support its members effectively.

In addition, the Board has also appointed several directors to play key roles in steering the organization:

• - Jason Nordin, CEO of Travel Centers of America, will serve as a Chain Director.
• - Kris Roach, President and CEO of LV Petroleum, has been named an At-Large Director.
• - Chris Heinz, Director of Operations Finance at Heinz Inc. and Coffee Cup Fuel Stops, assumes the role of Independent Director.

Shahin Momin, Vice President of Operations at Pat's Travel Center, will chair the NATSO Foundation for 2026, while also serving as an ex officio member of the NATSO Board. This diverse leadership team aims to address the challenges faced by the travel center industry and respond proactively to the needs of NATSO's members.

Reflecting on the upcoming year, NATSO's President and CEO Max McBrayer emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "I look forward to working with Matt, widely recognized as a prominent voice within the independent fuel retailing sector. Together, we'll focus on the evolving needs of our members amid the broader industry landscape. I am excited to support Matt in his new position as Chairman alongside the entire Board of Directors."

In 2026, NATSO’s Board will take on significant industry challenges, ensuring members are equipped to tackle a changing environment while fostering innovation. Members can expect focused initiatives aimed at improving profitability, navigating regulatory hurdles, and leveraging new market opportunities.

The full 2026 Board of Directors comprises:

• - Matt Mildenberger, Chairman, Mittens Travel Center
• - Raina Shoemaker, Chair-Elect, Shoemaker's Travel Centers
• - Bob Wollenman, Immediate Past Chair, Deluxe Travel Center
• - Marko Zaro, Secretary/Treasurer, Road Ranger
• - Max McBrayer, President and CEO, NATSO
• - Shahin Momin, NATSO Foundation Chairman, Pat's Travel Center
• - Ted Augustine, At-Large Director, 24/7 Travel Stores
• - Chris Heinz, Independent Director, Heinz Inc.
• - Gary Hoogeveen, Chain Director, Pilot Corp.
• - Herb Hargraves, At-Large Director, Sprint Mart
• - Victoria Hendon, At-Large Director, Danny's Truck Wash
• - Frank Love, Chain Director, Love's Operating Companies
• - Bruce Morgan, Chain Director, QuikTrip Corp.
• - Andy Richard, At-Large Director, Sapp Bros. Inc.
• - Kris Roach, At-Large Director, LV Petroleum
• - Elizabeth Waring, At-Large Director, Johnson & Johnson
• - Jeremie Myhren, Allied Director, ONRAMP
• - Steve Yawn, Allied Director, McLane

NATSO, established in 1960, serves as the voice of America's travel plazas and truck stop industry. Its mission includes advocating on legislative and regulatory issues, providing essential industry information, facilitating education, and organizing annual conventions and trade shows. As it looks toward the future, NATSO is poised to enhance the business climate for its members, navigating the complexities of an ever-evolving industry landscape.