In 2018, the organization celebrated its 100^th anniversary. In its brief history, OTA has experienced success in advocacy efforts, business development opportunities for members and industry-leading educational workshops, while adapting to an ever-growing and ever-changing industry. In order to ensure the success of the association during its next hundred years, as well as accelerate with the pace of the industry, the association has reorganized its internal efforts to continue to provide members with exceptional service.

 

Bradie Berry was hired at the Vice President of Meetings & Events. In this role, she is responsible for the high-level planning and execution of all meetings and events hosted by the association. Core functions include: site selection; hotel room block management; speaker management; registration; and event logistics. Berry is an experienced event planner and association professional, serving more than 15 years with the Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA). She holds a dual Bachelor of Arts from Otterbein University in Public Relations and Organizations Communications.

 

Kalpana Yalamanchili, Esq., CAE was hired as the Vice President of Education and Engagement. She is responsible for developing and implementing programs for members to obtain, retain, and expand their knowledge in order to improve their company’s operational efficiency and profitability. In addition to managing the association’s standing committees and councils, she is also charged with developing and implementing new forums for members to grow and share their expertise. Yalamanchili previously served on the executive staff of the Ohio State Bar Association and was an attorney with the Ohio State Legal Services Association. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY at Buffalo, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Ohio Northern University College of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Ohio, and is credentialed as a Certified Association Executive by the American Society of Association Executives.

 

Becky Calvin was promoted to Vice President of Communications. In this position, Calvin will be responsible for all written and electronic communication, media presence, and hard copy publications that speak on behalf of the association. Calvin will remain coordinator for Team 88, a grassroots initiative of the association that was launched in March 2017. She previously worked in logistics as a customer service representative for DB Schenker Logistics in West Jefferson, Ohio. In this position, she gained experience in building, creating and allocating inventory for commercial trucks; coordinating communication between drivers, Mars PetCare representatives, and carriers; and creating training material for future Schenker team members. She holds a dual Bachelor of Arts from Ohio State in English and German.

 

Evan Newman was promoted to Vice President of Business Development. In the position, Newman will continue to be responsible for all member recruitment, retention, and engagement initiatives. In addition, he will be responsible for association sponsorships and allied member relations. His work will focus on strategizing new ways to add value to the OTA member experience. Newman has an active history in the membership development and political arenas, previously working as a Leadership Consultant for Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, as well as political campaigns in West Virginia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies from West Liberty University. 

 

“The trucking industry is currently experiencing dynamic growth and exponential change. In order for the association to adapt to our every growing member needs, it was apparent that we needed to expand our internal acumen,” Balzer added. “I am very excited for our members and nonmembers to see what this staff is capable of; now is a great time to get involved with the Ohio Trucking Association.”

 

The OTA is a trade association with more than 850 members. Founded as the Ohio Association of Commercial Haulers in 1918, the association promotes safety, innovation and professionalism in the trucking industry.