2.0 Leadership Class

2021-2022 2.0 Leadership Class

After two years with Stephanie Slivanik and Ryan Walpole at the helm of the inaugural 2.0 Leadership Class (extended by the pandemic), Lori Ann Chaussinand (Pilot) and Mike Wojcik (Oakley Transport) accepted the position of co-chairs during Annual Conference, where they introduced the 2021-2022 class:

Matt Baugh, Operations Department at Service Trucking

Gene Carroll, Wholesale Manager at Navistar

Marc Chandler, Vice President of Operations and Business Development at US1 Network

Matt Edwards, Customer Service and Logistics Manager at Dillon Logistics

Rafael Gomez, Driver Manager/ Customer Service Manager at Kottke Trucking

Evan McHugh, Chief Financial Officer at Florida Utility Trailers

Nate Penha, Retirement Plan Consultant at Mutual of America

Ressa Penland, Recruiter and Social Media Manager at Cypress Truck Lines

Phil Signore, Manager at C.H. Robinson

Griffin Smith, Broker at Marsh & McLennan Agency

Kyle Weaver, Associate Attorney at Carr Allison

Jay Whealton, Senior Director of Safety and Recruiting at Exxact Transport

The Leadership Class met briefly at the 2021 Annual Conference in Orlando, for introductions, as well as to get a sense of expectations and ideas for the year. The group reconvened in September, first with a reception hosted by 2.0 member Nate Penha, and the next day in Tampa for a day focused on community engagement. FTA member Sun State International was generous to host the day, and the group was transfixed by the opening presentation by CEO Oscar Horton.

Following an inspiring welcome, the class spent the day listening to and engaging with some of the most influential business (and community) leaders in the city. This included Bob Ward, CEO of the Florida Council of 100; Jeff Marple from Rooms-to-Go and former FTA Chairman; Joe Waggoner, CEO of Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority; and Wade Elliott, Vice President of Business Development of Port Tampa Bay.

Next up for the Leadership Class is some extra time at Trucking Day at the Capitol. The group will receive additional briefings from elected officials and some advocacy training with Chris Dudley and Alix Miller, prior to the rest of the invitees’ arrival in Tallahassee. Are you interested in joining the 2.0 Leadership Class? Applications for the 2022-2023 class will go online in the spring. We encourage companies with emerging leaders to nominate their employees.