WIT Announces Finalists for 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking Award

PLOVER, Wis., Oct. 6, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced the finalists for the 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking award, a prestigious honor sponsored by Centerline Drivers. The award, established in 2010, recognizes outstanding female leaders who are shaping the future of the trucking industry and inspiring others through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to advancing women in the field.

Three finalists have been selected for this year's award, each representing a significant impact on their organizations and communities. The finalists are Angela Lentz, Mari Roberts, and Sauny Tucker, who will participate in a panel discussion at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo taking place from October 25 to 28 in Dallas, Texas, followed by the winner announcement.

Angela Lentz serves as the Chief People Officer for Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), where she leads the people and culture strategy for one of the region's largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. Lentz's background spans nearly three decades, including roles in purchasing, materials, quality, and finance, and she has extensive experience in both corporate offices and the Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant. Her cross-functional expertise allows her to connect workforce strategy with operational performance, and she is known for her transparent and people-focused leadership style. Lentz has built a reputation as a mentor and advocate for employees, fostering a culture of connection and trust. She has also championed employee development initiatives and supports the Women's Interactive Network, a DTNA employee business resource group that offers mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities.

Mari Roberts, CTP, serves as the Senior Vice President of North America Supply Chain Centers of Excellence for PepsiCo Beverage US and PepsiCo Foods US. In this role, Roberts and her team are responsible for delivering operational excellence across manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, fleet, and integrated business solutions. With a 26-year career in transportation and supply chain, Roberts has held numerous field operations and corporate positions. She graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Supply Chain Management and received her Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) certification in 2009. Roberts has served as the chairman of the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) Institute Board of Governors from 2014 to 2022 and is currently the chair of the NPTC Board of Directors. She has been involved in and held leadership positions with multiple employee resource groups at Frito-Lay, including the Women's Inclusion Network and PepsiCo Asian Network, and served as the executive sponsor for the EQUAL ERG. Roberts and her team are also actively engaged with the Valor ERG, which honors and supports military-affiliated individuals and their communities. Roberts was recognized as one of the 2022 Influential Women in Trucking finalists by WIT and was also recognized as a 2026 recipient of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award.

Sauny Tucker serves as the CEO of Tucker Freight Lines in Dubuque, Iowa. Her connection to trucking began long before she carried the title of CEO. As the daughter and granddaughter of professional drivers, Tucker grew up understanding the importance of the people behind every truck. In 2001, she entered the industry alongside her husband, AJ Tucker, beginning a journey that would eventually lead them to acquire Art Pape Transfer in 2018 and build what is now Tucker Freight Lines. Today, Tucker leads the safety, human resources, recruiting, and marketing efforts, while helping guide the company's continued growth and expansion. Tucker is known for her open-door policy, willingness to listen, and leadership style that combines compassion with accountability. Her approach has helped shape the company's culture and the leaders growing within it. Tucker is passionate about creating opportunities for others, particularly women, and encouraging people to recognize the value of their own voice and perspective. Tucker has been recognized as a Top Woman to Watch in Transportation by WIT and has also been recognized as a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation by Tucker Freight Lines. Under her leadership, Tucker earned 2026 TCA Elite Fleet certification. Beyond the company, Tucker has remained committed to the Dubuque community, including her support of Opening Doors, which provides housing and resources for women and children working toward stability and independence. These recognitions reflect the culture Tucker has worked to build at Tucker and her belief that growth is about more than the size of a company. It is also about the people and communities who grow with it.

The finalists will participate in a panel discussion at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo, taking place from October 25 to 28 in Dallas, Texas, followed by the winner announcement.