ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has elected Lesley Veldstra Killingsworth as the first chairwoman of its board of directors.
Killingsworth, a member of the NMFTA since 2012, serves as director of traffic and pricing for Mississauga, Ontario-based Polaris Transportation Group. She previously served in the same position with Mountain Valley Express after starting in the industry as an account executive with Worldwide Express.
In leading NMFTA’s board, Killingsworth said she wants to advance the gains from recent changes the organization has made and keep progress moving in a positive direction.
“Last year, we had a lot of change,” she said. “This year, I really want to spotlight how those changes have built a strong foundation that is not only helping the industry now but also the future.”
Debbie Ruane Sparks, executive director of NMFTA, said Killingsworth is just the leader NMFTA’s board needs in the current environment.
“Lesley knows the industry inside and out, having started with a 3PL and then moving into the LTL space,” Sparks said. “But she’s also proven her mettle as a person who gets involved and works hard to make a difference. From her service with her local community to the years she’s already served on our board, we know Lesley is a person of action and commitment. Our members will truly benefit from her leadership.”
Killingsworth cited Killingsworth’s personal experience in building relationships with other carriers as a critical benefit of her long-time involvement with NMFTA, saying the resulting partnerships have broadened her company’s outreach and expanded customer service points. She said the continued partnership between the board and NMFTA staff will help keep those benefits flowing to members.
“The staff and the board have been really good together over the years, and the new staff we have added are melding with us really well,” Killingsworth said. “We all have the same goals and desired outcomes for our industry.”
Under Killingsworth’s leadership, the board will continue to support critical efforts for the industry, including the ongoing simplification of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system, the pursuit of an API roadmap for every step in the freight process, and the promoting cybersecurity education for the trucking industry.
“The Digital Solutions Conference on Cybersecurity we just wrapped up in Houston, Texas, brought together so many experts and brought forth invaluable insight to help our industry fight back against cyberattacks,” Killingsworth said. “I am very proud to see our organization exercise so much leadership on this issue and clearly produce such positive results. This will continue to be one of our top priorities and as chairwoman, I will work with the board to make sure these efforts are supported.”
Reflecting on the fact that she is NMFTA’s first female chair, Killingsworth acknowledged the importance of the milestone.
“I am really excited, and I know this is an amazing opportunity,” she said. “I’ve been working hard to get here, and am ready.”
Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Erica N. Guy decided to stay in her hometown to begin her professional career in journalism. Since obtaining her bachelor’s degree from UAPB, Erica has professionally written for several publications about several topics ranging from lifestyle, tech, culture, and entertainment, just to name a few. Continuing her love for her hometown, she joined our team in June 2023, where she is currently a staff writer. Her career goals include continuing storytelling through her writing by being the best professional writer she can be. In her spare time, Erica enjoys trying new foods, cozying up with a good book, spending time with family and friends, and establishing herself as a future businesswoman.
