New ATA Chairman and Women in Trucking Scholarship Making News This Week
by Jana Ritter - Published: 1/13/2014Congratulations to Curtis J. Shewchuk, Con-way Inc’s Chief Security Officer, the newly appointed Chairman of the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Homeland Security Policy Committee. The position will have him leading the ATA’s key committee that works closely with government agencies to develop the national security policies and procedures involving the trucking industry, as well as ensuring the industry's interests are effectively represented.
Moving up from his previous position as the committee's vice-chairman, Shewchuk will also gain a seat on the ATA Board of Directors, joining Douglas W. Stotlar, Con-way's president and CEO, who also serves as the ATA's Treasurer and a member of its Board of Directors. Shewchuk is well suited for his new role having served as a security expert for over 40 years and worked in local and federal law enforcement before joining Con-way in 1990. He has directed the company's global security programs since 2003 and has established himself as an expert in intelligence disciplines and international supply chain security. In 2006, Shewchuk was recognized by ATA as Security Professional of the Year and received its Security Council Leadership Award in 2007.
Phil Byrd, Chairman of the ATA Board of Directors, noted that Shewchuk's expertise and experience will provide valuable leadership which will benefit the industry's policy development activities and its relationships with regulatory authorities. "Curt is a highly respected security professional and a veteran law enforcement practitioner who the ATA is very pleased to have lead this important committee," said Byrd. "We look forward to continuing to benefit from his counsel and welcome his perspective on the Board."
Another important industry announcement is the Women in Trucking Association’s call for entries for their 2014 Scholarship fund. The scholarship application process began will continue until March 1, 2014 with funding available in four areas: leadership, technical training, safety, and driving.
Women in Trucking was 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. However, 16 percent of its members are men who support the mission as well. In 2012, the Women in Trucking Scholarship Foundation was formed specifically to offer funding for training for members.
Information can be found at womenintruckingfoundation.org. Applicant must be a member of the Women in Trucking Association (or the family member of a corporate member) and be enrolled in a training program in one of the four areas of study.