The Women In Trucking association has announced a succession plan for the group’s long time president and chief executive officer Ellen Voie, pending her upcoming retirement.

Deborah Ruane Sparks will take on a newly created role as vice president in January of 2020 and will eventually transition into Voie’s role upon her retirement in the coming years.

Sparks has been involved in the transportation industry for nearly two decades. She currently serves as director of transportation and community outreach at Wreaths Across America and will be continuing in that capacity through the end of the year. Previously, she served as vice president, business development, at the Truckload Carriers Association and as director of marketing for American Trucking Associations.

“We have supported WIT’s growth by expanding our team to include five employees in addition to our association management firm, MindShare Strategies,” Voie said.  “Now, with Debbie on board we can further advance our mission and position Women In Trucking for continued growth.”

Voie founded WIT in 2007 to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women in the trucking industry. The group now has more than 5,000 individual and corporate members in 10 countries and has received several awards including the Transportation Innovators Champion of Change from the White House.

“Ellen Voie has such a remarkable passion for our mission,” said Laura Roan Hays, WIT current board chairwoman. “It was a priority for the board to find a successor with that same level of commitment. Debbie Ruane Sparks is the perfect candidate. She was instrumental in helping to establish WIT in 2007 and served on the association’s original board of directors. We are thrilled that she is returning to help lead the organization and work with Ellen to ensure a seamless transition as the future face of the Women In Trucking Association.”