Page 12 - Newcom

Dispatches
Heard Street on
the
Bylsma elected OTA chairman
Mark Bylsma, president of Spring Creek Carriers based in Beamsville, Ont., has been named chairman of
the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) for a two-year term. He succeeds James Steed as chairman
after being a long-time supporter of the OTA and having served on its board of directors and executive
committee, most recently as first vice-chairman. Spring Creek Carriers operates about 40 power units,
more than 60 trailers, and a brokerage division, Spring Creek Logistics. (Photo: OTA)
Trucking HR names Colleen Tesarski
HR Leader of the Year
Colleen Tesarski, human resources manager, people and culture with Steve’s Livestock Transport
was named the HR Leader of the Year during a special presentation by Trucking HR Canada. The
award was presented as part of Trucking HR’s Top Fleet Employers gala dinner Oct. 17. It goes to an HR
­ professional who “exemplifies human resources practices within their organization and is a role model
to others.” (Photo: James Menzies)
Melo wins pair of awards
Eric Melo of Mill Creek Motor Freight won a pair of prestigious industry awards in October. He
received the Fleet Safety Council (FSC) Provincial Truck Driver of the Year Award, which looks to recog-
nize a driver with a clean record and a commitment to customer service and community work. He was
then honored with the 2024 Bridgestone-OTA Truck Hero Award for his life-saving actions at a crash
scene in Michigan. (Photo: Fleet Safety Council)
Lindsey to help lead 7Gen’s commercial operations
7Gen has appointed John Lindsey as vice-president of commercial operations, bringing more than
two decades of experience from Schneider Electric, where he specialized in IT, commercial strategy,
sales, and operations. Lindsey started as a commercial sales manager and held various positions
throughout his tenure at Schneider, including director of the business partner team, head of electric
vehicle infrastructure business solution sales for North America, and senior director of commercial
e-mobility. (Photo: LinkedIn)
Kriska’s Whiteman named Safety Professional of the Year
The Fleet Safety Council (FSC) recognized Tara Whiteman of Kriska Transportation Group as Provincial
Safety Professional of the Year. Whiteman began her career at Kriska as a driver, then migrated into a safety
role. The award recognizes a safety professional who works with their local FSC chapter, maintains high
levels of integrity, has a strong rapport with drivers, and a commitment to outstanding training and safety.
(Photo: Fleet Safety Council)
12 TODAY’S TRUCKING