NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio (June 12, 2023) -- Recognizing the importance of incorporating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) lens into the framework of an organization, the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA)’s Board of Directors has been working diligently to fill the roles of its recently announced DEI Taskforce.
ReedTMS Logistics’ Eileen Dabrowski has been named as the DEI Taskforce Chair. Eileen has dedicated her career to education, first in higher education, and currently in transportation and logistics as a Director of Learning and Development. Her commitment to the advancement and equity of all people has garnered her industry recognition, including being named a finalist for the Women in Trucking Association’s Most Influential Women in Trucking in 2021.
Dabrowski currently serves as the Chair of the Program Committee for the Transportation Intermediaries Association and has spoken at multiple TIA and Women in Trucking conferences. Eileen incorporates what she learned throughout her academic career into her work in transportation.
“Diversity is so much more than what we can see. I am honored to lead the DEI Task Force and could not be prouder to serve alongside so many talents professionals who are committed to helping TMSA and all members work toward inclusivity,” said Dabrowski.
TMSA has also secured a Gold Level Sponsorship for its DEI Program’s inaugural year, with Sol de Naples Marketing making a commitment to this initiative.
“Sol was founded on the principle of pioneering unconventional ways to reach new markets for companies in transportation and logistics. As a champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Sol solidifies its commitment to the advancement and expansion of smarter ways and more diverse, winning perspectives for how to do business in this space,” Jill Schmieg, Founder & Chief Strategist, Sol de Naples Marketing.
“We’re proud to continue our long legacy of partnership with TMSA in its first-ever launch of a program of this kind.”
For many years, Schmieg has had a proven track record of pioneering new programs that diversify and extend the reach of TMSA into the logistics and transportation space. During the Covid pandemic, Jill led TMSA’s Education Committee to deliver the association’s first-ever Virtual Conference, as well as a Revenue Generation Task Force to raise critical funding during a time when many non-profits like TMSA were shuttering their doors. With this commitment to DEI and TMSA, Sol’s efforts will help usher in what comes next for TMSA.
Schmieg will serve on TMSA’s DEI Taskforce with Whitney Cowell, AVP, Marketing at KCH Transportation; Nina Eiland, VP of People at AMX Logistics; Patrick Blute, Director of Sustainability & Supplier Diversity at Transfix; and Kameel Gaines, CEO at Rig on Wheels. Eileen Curran, VP of Marketing & Communications at Odyseey Logistics will serve as Subcommittee Chair.
“I’m enthusiastic about having Eileen Dabrowski’s extensive experience and dedication to DEI initiatives leading our efforts. With the establishment of the DEI Taskforce and the support of Sol de Naples Marketing, TMSA aims to foster a more inclusive environment and better serve its members.” said Mark Derks, President of TMSA and Chief Marketing Officer at BlueGrace Logistics.
About TMSA
TMSA is the only association dedicated to advancing the success of marketing and sales professionals in all modes of the commercial freight transportation market. From president and vice president to manager, director and coordinator, members are at all levels and represent all market segments including motor carriers, 3PLs, railroads, air carriers, ocean lines, port authorities, OEMs, media, and suppliers.
TMSA's mission is to enable sales and marketing professionals to learn and give back to the transportation and logistics industry through education, connections, and resources, ultimately strengthening their individual development, their businesses and the industry-at-large. TMSA's vision is to be the pre-eminent non-profit sales and marketing association that transportation and logistics professionals turn to for industry-specific education, connections, and resources.
