Plover, WI (April 7, 2016)— The mission of Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women in the trucking industry. The purpose of the Image Team is to represent these goals while bringing awareness of the need for more female drivers and the challenges they face working in a male dominated environment.
The WIT Image Team participates in ride-along events for legislators, regulators, and industry leaders to provide a deeper understanding of the obstacles they face on the road. They also speak to the media and other industry professionals at public events and industry trade shows.
To qualify for the WIT Image Team, the applicant must be a member of WIT for at least one year and submit an application. The application required an essay of 250 words to explain why she should be chosen for the Image Team. Questions regarding their safety records, previous awards or recognitions, volunteer service, and community involvement were included in the selection process. All positions held in the trucking industry were considered in addition to professional drivers.
Top scoring applicants were advanced to the next round of the selection process, which required an interview with the judging panel. The judges consisted of Mark Rousseau, Frito-Lay, Linda Caffee, Landstar Express America, Tom Liutkus, TravelCenters of America, Patrick Pendergast, Ryder System, Inc., and Stan Hampton, J.B. Hunt Transport.
“I was honored to be part of the selection process. There were so many terrific candidates. Drivers and other professionals who are devoted to this industry and have such high personal and professional standards,” said Tom Liutkus, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations, TravelCenters of America. “WIT is blessed to be represented by such a fine group of women as is the trucking industry.” The 2016 Women In Trucking Image Team is comprised of:
| Angelique Jones | Professional Driver | Atlantic Bulk Carriers |
| Brooke Held Sudimak | Professional Driver | Ru-D Trucking |
| Brooke Mosley | Training Specialist/ Female Driver Liaison | Prime, Inc. |
| Cindi Alexander | Co-Owner/Director Training Instructor | Lake Cumberland CDL Training School |
| Cindy Kaps | Professional Driver | Atlas Van Lines |
| Deb LaBree | Professional Driver | Landstar |
| Felicia Berggren | Professional Driver | Werner Enterprises |
| Gretchen Jackson | Sr. Manager/Driver Recruiter | XPO Logistics |
| Jeana Hysell | Sr. Safety Consultant | J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. |
| Jill Maschmeier | Director of Safety & Compliance | National Carriers |
| Jodi Edwards | Professional Driver | J.B. Hunt Transport |
| Julie Matulle | Professional Driver & Part time Recruiter | H.O. Wolding Inc. |
| Sarah Wulf | Recruiting Manager | Veriha Trucking |
The announcement of the 2016 Image Team was made at the 7th annual Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event in Louisville, Kentucky. The event is hosted by Women In Trucking Association to honor female commercial drivers. There were approximately 400 people in attendance.