Women in Trucking & RI Trucking Assoc names new board

The Rhode Island Trucking Association announces that Providence attorney Michael Kiselica has assumed the role as Chairman of its Board of Directors. Kiselica succeeds UPS’s Mark Giuffre and will serve a two year term as the association enters its 89th year.

In November, Kiselica unveiled a platform of Board inclusiveness during his comments at the association’s Annual Dinner and Trade Show.  In following the Chairman’s lead, the Board of Directors affirmed and welcomed four women – Debora Babin Katz of TrucBrush, Angela Stone of Palfinger Liftgate, Claire Viera of Consolidated Truck Equipment and Katie Werchadlo of J Line Transportion – as its newest Board members at its Annual Meeting yesterday.

“Women are an integral part of what drives our industry,” said Kiselica. “Our new Board members bring strength, an array of industry knowledge and much needed diversity to our association and Board and pay homage to the great history of female leadership of RITA.”

The Rhode Island Trucking Association (RITA) was the first trucking association in the American Trucking Associations’ federation to be led by a woman.  Lena Daly led the trade association from 1960 through her retirement in 1981.

Today, eight state Trucking Associations have women serving as their Presidents.

“We proudly welcome Chairman Kiselica and our four newest Board members as we embrace the ‘stronger gender’ and its contributions to delivering Rhode Island and moving America,” said RITA president Chris Maxwell.

Maxwell added that RITA has formed a state chapter of Women in Trucking, a national advocacy organization which promotes employment and other opportunities for women in trucking.  The state chapter, the first of its kind in the national trucking federation of states, will also, in conjunction with the Women In Trucking Foundation, honor Daly with two annual scholarships in support of educating women in both technical and supply chain concentrations.

Women In Trucking Association, Inc. is a nonprofit association established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as 17% of its members are men who support the mission. For more information, visit http://www.womenintrucking.org

The Women In Trucking Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization affiliated with the nonprofit 501c6 trade organization Women In Trucking Association, Inc., and is responsible for raising funds for educational scholarships and encouraging the employment of women in the trucking industry. For more information or to donate, visit www.womenintruckingfoundation.org

For more information, contact Chris Maxwell, 401-729-6600 or 401-265-4638