WTA Managing Director Recognized for Long and Distinguished Service to Industry
Arlington, Virginia – Today, the 91Ƭ honored Sheila Foertsch, managing director of the Wyoming Trucking Association, as the 19th winner of the 91Ƭ President’s Trucking Association Executives Council Leadership Award during the association’s Management Conference and Exhibition.
“Sheila is a steadfast 91Ƭ supporter and has always sought to unify the industry and 91Ƭ Federation,” said 91Ƭ President and CEO Chris Spear, “and she really shined this year - even greater than usual - when unexpectedly confronted with two major issues, one federal and one state, that can only be viewed as attacks on our industry.”
Just this year, Foertsch spearheaded opposition to a proposal to fund the federal highway program by using a new and discriminatory truck-only vehicle miles traveled tax. Her quick action on behalf of the industry led to the proposal being killed before it advanced in Congress.
Not satisfied with this, Foertsch also took the fight on behalf of the industry to her statehouse, leading the effort to defeat a tolling proposal in Wyoming.
The Trucking Association Executives Council is comprised of staff executives of state trucking associations and conferences affiliated with the 91Ƭ. TAEC serves to promote the trucking industry; contribute to the improvement of the associations and organizations established to serve the trucking industry; and advance the professional stature and capabilities of the managers and executives of such associations.
The President's TAEC Leadership Award was created in 2002 by 91Ƭ to honor a state trucking association leader and to create an enduring legacy for that leader and for the industry. The award comes with a $10,000 grant for a non-profit 501(c)(3) trucking education or research organization chosen by Foertsch.
“The 91Ƭ Federation is lucky to have leaders like Foertsch who work hard and advocated tirelessly on behalf of our industry,” said incoming 91Ƭ Chair Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, president of Garner Trucking. “She is an indefatigable voice on behalf of trucking and I’d like to congratulate her on behalf of the entire 91Ƭ.”
Past winners of the award are: Chris Maxwell of Rhode Island, Shannon Newton of Arkansas, Shawn Yadon of California, Brenda Neville of Iowa, John Esparza of Texas, Kendra Hems of New York, Mike Riley of Connecticut, Rick Todd of South Carolina, George Burruss of Missouri, Karen Rasmussen of Arizona, Jim Runk of Pennsylvania, Tom Howells of Wisconsin, John Hausladen of Minnesota, Dale Hanington of Maine, Larry Davis of Ohio, Dale Bennett of Virginia, Cathy Gautreaux of Louisiana and Dave Huneryager of Tennessee.