NTA Women Council Profiles
Emily Roberts
Emily Roberts, Lockton Companies, VP, Account Executive
What are some of your duties? Lockton Companies is a commercial insurance broker. I specialize in the transportation sector with large auto fleets, primarily trucking companies. We partner with our clients to represent their organizations in the insurance marketplace and procure insurance coverage.
What do you enjoy the most about your job or working in this industry? I enjoy the personal interactions with my client contacts. In my advisory role, I collaborate with risk managers, general counsel and c-suite executives to strategize an insurance and risk management program that best suits the organization’s needs.
What led you to choose the trucking industry as a career? It was by happenstance! I joined a training program at Lockton and upon “graduating,” interviewed with the various teams within Lockton. The need in transportation was a perfect fit for my personality and work ethic.
Wisdom you would like to pass on to other women in the trucking industry. Like trucking, the insurance industry is also male-dominant. I am grateful to the women who have paved the way for me—allowed me to be a professional AND a mother in an industry that I am passionate about. Be the leader that improves upon the status quo, not for your benefit, but for the next generation of women that follows. This will take patience, hard work, professionalism and practice, but the fruits of your labor will be enjoyed by many that will follow.
Donna Sempek
Donna Sempek, Sterling Transportation Services, Division Manager
What are some of your duties? Sterling Transportation has a family of companies that include, trucking, truck repair, brokerage, and staffing services as well as Wagyu Beef farms. I oversee the staffing division as well as handle sales and marketing for all our brands.
What do you enjoy the most about your job or working in this industry? I have always enjoyed working with folks in the transportation industry. Recruiting drivers and logistics professionals is a great way to spend any day.
What led you to choose the trucking industry as a career? I had a long career in staffing, and about 10 years ago decided to try staffing in the trucking industry. I fell in love with the types of amazing people in the trucking industry and decided to stay in this lane.
Wisdom you would like to pass on to other women in the trucking industry? Never be afraid to try it! I have met so many amazing women through networking in this industry. Learn all you can and enjoy every day and you will be fabulous!
Dave Zelnio
Dave Zelnio, NTA Director, Operations & Communication
Duties: Plan, create, organize and collaborate on events, activities and operations for the Nebraska Trucking Association. Oversee all communication including a bi-monthly magazine, weekly e-newsletter, social media and website.
Favorite: The best part of working for the Nebraska Trucking Association is the people. The staff are like family and the members are good, hard-working and genuine people.
Why this for a career?: I’ve been in transportation for almost 30 years and this career allows me to work with great people while using my creativity to honor their work.
Wisdom: Honor your friends and family, work hard and love God most of all. Everything else will fall into place.
Barb Aude
Barb Aude, NTA Director of Training and Safety
What are some of your duties? Assist with all the exciting events hosted by the Nebraska Trucking Association including the truck driving championships. Assist members of the Nebraska Trucking Association concerning education of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Assist NTA members with education of Nebraska State Vehicle laws concerning commercial motor vehicles and the requirements for drivers of these vehicles. Promote commercial motor vehicle safety. Serve as a liaison between our trucking industry and State and Federal agencies. Driver and Carrier Safety meetings.
What do you enjoy the most about your job or working in this industry? Working with individuals in the trucking industry. Working in this industry has been a wonderful opportunity to meet some very special friends who share the many of same priorities concerning public safety. Every day is different with new challenges within the trucking industry-This industry is very highly regulated and I enjoy the challenge of attempting to apply the regulation to a circumstance. Hoping to make a difference in the safety of both the CMV drivers and motoring public.
What led you to choose the trucking industry as a career? My grandmother was the accountant at a large truck stop. My first job at 10 years old was cleaning and washing the windows and floors at the office on Saturday mornings to make my own money. I believe this industry must have chosen me because nearly every job I have had scene then has been working in the trucking industry. The people of course are the main reason to stay, but I have to say I love the smell of diesel and I love the power of a truck. “How could you not?”
Wisdom you would like to pass on to other women in the trucking industry. The answer is always no unless you ask. Go ask the question! Stay true to yourself- look in the mirror at the end of the day and know you did the best you could. Be kind –
Amber Wesely
Name: Amber Wesely Company: Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc. Title: Safety Compliance Manager.
What are some of your duties? My primary job is to assist or train others. For example: I help the drivers every day with their understanding of their ELD devices, the office with their understanding of HOS, the shop with logging onto an ELD device. I am currently working on getting all of our drivers set up on new on-line training program.
What do you enjoy the most about your job or working in this industry? I enjoy working with the drivers and hearing about their families, experiences, their animals, their lives. I learn something from them every day.
What led you to choose the trucking industry as a career? I didn’t choose the trucking industry – it chose me! My college degree is in Public Relations but I needed a job after I graduated to pay the bills (you know how that goes)! The gentleman that hired me told me, “I am going to jinx you. If I hire you for this position you will forever work in transportation.” He was right! Every job I have had since college I have gotten because of my transportation knowledge and experience.
Wisdom you would like to pass on to other women in the trucking industry.Know the driver not just the truck number. I have this posted at my desk to remind me that they aren’t just “steering wheel holders”. They are people with hopes, dreams, struggles and stress in their lives too. Their parents gave them a name to be proud of, we just gave them a truck to drive – the number doesn’t define the person.
Yolanda Willis
Yolanda Willis, H & M Trucking, Safety Specialist
What are some of your duties?
I currently teach hazmat class, I go over logs with our drivers. In addition, I also handle submitting Medical Certificate into the state for our drivers.
What do you enjoy the most about your job or working in this industry?
I love working with our drivers. Our drivers will call us to give us updates on their lives and the road.
What led you to choose the trucking industry as a career?
My boyfriend really pushed me into the industry. He is currently a driver himself.
Wisdom you would like to pass on to other women in the trucking industry.
As women we have a huge place in this industry. Learn and take the opportunities to sign up for webinars and classes to keep you up to speed with the industry.
Tammie Dimmitt
Tammie Dimmitt, Grand Island Express, H/R Benefit Administrator & Driver Retention
What are some of your duties? I meet with New Hires to help with their I’9, W-4 and unboarding to the company. I also explain benefits and assist them with signing up. I order supplies and clothing for the office. Send messages to our drivers to communicate with them. Help with the newsletter biweekly. Set up Safety Meeting lunches.
What do you enjoy the most about your job or working in this industry? I absolutely love the company I work for. The owners are the most caring people and feel that we truly have a family environment. I enjoy bringing my energy and positivity to trucking! Our drivers are out there working hard and are isolated. I try to create a good relationship with them and make them feel Welcome here always!!
What led you to choose the trucking industry as a career? A friend that I attended church with was the CFO here and asked me to come on board. I had worked in the medical/dental field. I did have experience in billing, so when I first started here 3 years ago, I stared in Accounts Payable. I love People more than numbers, so after a year or so I was moved to the position I have now. I hope to retire in 10 plus years from Grand Island Express. I enjoy coming in every day and have great work friends.
Wisdom you would like to pass on to other women in the trucking industry. Go for It- do not let fear of the unknown stop you! If you want to work in the office or as a female driver, just jump in. The trucking industry is busy and “solid” I like that! Communicate and be open to new experiences!
Kellie Black
Kellie Black, Hunt Transportation, Fleet Manager
What are some of your duties? Manage both the company and owner fleets, watch productivity, fuel compliance, and help drivers with payroll and other issues.
What do you enjoy the most about your job or working in this industry? I enjoy working with the drivers. Hearing their stories.
What led you to choose the trucking industry as a career? I was a driver before coming into an office position. I enjoyed working in the industry and still do.
Wisdom you would like to pass on to other women in the trucking industry? Life is like a road. It has bumps, cracks and obstacles but in the end it gets you to where you need to be.
Kristien Pacas
Kristien Pacas, Crete Carrier, Administrative Assistant
What are some of your duties? Assisting drivers with their payroll. Maintaining spreadsheets, booking rentals from drivers switching truck, training new fleets staff.
What do you enjoy the most about your job or working in this industry? I enjoy working with new people from all over the country and assisting them in getting their problems or concerns resolved.
What led you to choose the trucking industry as a career? Honestly it found me. I was looking for a new job to better support my growing family and found Crete Carrier.
Wisdom you would like to pass on to other women in the trucking industry. To be a leader and assist other women, don’t use each other as a steppingstone. Keep your emotions out of your decisions and don’t take things personal.
Fun Fact: Kristien was one of three visionary women on a chilly May morning in 2018, that dreamed of an organization where women could be encourage other women to be a part of all the wonderful opportunities within the trucking industry.
Tina Gaines
Tina Gaines | FedEx Express | Courier
What are some of your duties? Drive to the ramp in Omaha, package handling, pallet building, delivery, safe driving
What do you enjoy the most about your job or working in this industry? Getting paid to see parts of the country you wouldn’t normally see, providing a service everyone needs.
What led you to choose the trucking industry as a career? I like to drive and the freedom the road brings.
Wisdom you would like to pass on to other women in the trucking industry. Don’t forget to be a woman…even in a male dominated industry because you are a gift. And don’t be afraid to prove the naysayers wrong.
Tisha Gropp
Tisha Gropp | Crete Carrier Corporation | Safety Manager
What are some of your duties? Oversee the department that maintains and manages the Driver Qualification Files in accordance with DOT and Company Policy.
What do you enjoy the most about your job or working in this industry? The ability to work with all different types of people. My days are never the same and are always challenging and I love it!!!!
What led you to choose the trucking industry as a career? I actually entered the industry as a temporary employee, completing a project for Crete Carrier. When I got done with that project, they offered me a permanent position and I have been here now 22 years.
Wisdom you would like to pass on to other women in the trucking industry. Educate yourself and learn all you can. There are so many moving parts to this industry and the more you know, the more valuable you are!!!
Just a note: Tisha was one of three visionary women on a chilly May morning in 2018, that dreamed of an organization where women could be encourage other women to be a part of all the wonderful opportunities within the Trucking industry.
Sue Pirnie
- What are some of your duties? Biweekly newsletter each month. Articles are submitted by our managers, four or five different areas per newsletter. Drivers are kept up to date on what is going on with our business, updated on changes to insurance, payroll, employees are highlighted on accomplishments for highest mileage, safe miles driven, awards, plus what may be going on in the shop. The newsletter also includes employees’ birthdays, work anniversary, and other family happenings as loss of a love one, graduation, new arrivals, and the “stripped gear” area – jokes.
- What do you enjoy the most about your job or working in this industry? I’ve been in the family owned trucking business for over 49 years. Over the years, I’ve worked in a few areas: billing, drivers’ settlements, dispatch, and producing the newsletter. There have been so many things that the trucking industry can hand you, but I enjoy working with the drivers and getting to know their family. Our company works to have a family atmosphere and work to strive to have everyone involved. I have always been grateful for the trust and confidence people have had in me to give me a job. In each position, I’ve been driven by a desire to learn, a wish to do good, and the ability to have a positive impact.
- What led you to choose the trucking industry as a career? My first job out of business school was working in transportation. While dating my husband (Tom) I asked his dad for a job. My start in the trucking industry starts with working for an LTL company which was Arrow Freight Lines at the time. After the business was sold, I moved on to work for our other trucking company, Grand Island Express, Inc.
- What wisdom you would like to pass on to other women in the trucking industry? There is a career in trucking. Go for it! It’s not just for men. A woman, if driver or office employee, can find their right area of interest. It is a fantastic opportunity to not only support women drivers, but to also support a positive force in the transportation industry. By entering the transportation industry, women have the opportunity to earn financial stability while playing a crucial role in the success of the American economy.
