The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) proudly celebrated the graduation of the inaugural class of its Emerging Leaders Program during this month’s NITL Engage Policy Forum in Washington, D.C.

This first cohort of rising professionals completed a rigorous year-long curriculum designed to prepare them for leadership roles within the freight transportation and logistics industry.

Throughout the program, participants attended four core training sessions that introduced them to NITL’s structure and resources, major industry challenges, the role of regulatory agencies, and the federal policymaking process. They gained firsthand insight into how regulations take shape, from early agency discussions to enacted laws, and developed practical skills to advocate effectively for their companies and the broader industry with policy makers. The program also emphasized essential leadership capabilities such as strategic communication, core values, public speaking, and media engagement.

The group, representing a broad age range from 26 to 51, concluded their experience with in- person meetings with congressional members, discussing key issues such as tariffs, rail mergers, truck parking, and cargo security, and how those challenges impact their businesses and employees.

“Graduating our first class of Emerging Leaders is a milestone for NITL and for the future of our industry,” said Nancy O’Liddy, Executive Director of NITL. “These professionals have demonstrated a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and leadership. They are not only the future of their organizations, but of the transportation and logistics industry as a whole. We are proud to support their development and excited to see how they will shape the road ahead.”

Inaugural Emerging Leaders Program Graduates:

  • Dan Anderson, Vice President Corporate Strategy, Trinity Industries
  • Jonathan Griffiths, Rail Transportation Manager, North America, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company
  • Chris Hulse, Transportation Manager, Packaging Corp. of America"
  • Brontee Khatemi, Fleet Maintenance Planning Manager, Trinity Industries
  • Lawence Massengill, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Big M Transportation
  • Kris Matthews, Director of Field Services, Armada Supply Chain Solutions
  • Pamela McKinney, Rail Freight Contract Manager, Shell Chemical LP
  • Nate Orndorff, North America Field Services Manager, Syensqo Oil & Gas Solutions
  • Max Rothschiller, Project Planner, Trinity Industries
  • Kim Scalzott, Director of Operations, Armada Supply Chain Solutions
  • Rick Stewart, Assistant Vice President, Industrial Services, Road & Rail
  • Rufus Trevillion, General Manager, Road & Rail

The Emerging Leaders Program is part of NITL’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders and enhancing engagement across the supply chain industry.

We are grateful to Armada Supply Chain Solutions for sponsoring the Program, supporting the next generation of leaders by investing in their growth and development.

Nominations for the NITL 2026 Emerging Leaders Program will open on November 1, 2025, and close on December 31, 2025."