2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
July 30 – August 1, 2026 | Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Derek D. Barrs
Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Speaking: FMCSA Update, part of the FMCSA Update & Chat with the Captains of Safety session — Saturday, Aug. 1, 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Derek D. Barrs serves as Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation. Nominated by President Donald J. Trump on March 25, 2025, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 7, 2025, he leads the agency's mission to enhance commercial motor vehicle safety, improve the efficiency of the nation's freight and passenger transportation systems, and bring commonsense principles to regulatory oversight.
Barrs brings nearly 35 years of experience in law enforcement and roadway safety, including more than 25 years focused specifically on commercial motor vehicle safety. He previously served as Associate Vice President for Strategic Mobility Solutions at HNTB Corporation, and earlier as a Deputy Sheriff in Madison County, Florida, and as a Florida State Trooper, rising through the ranks to retire as Chief of the Florida Highway Patrol. Nationally, he has been a leader with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), serving as Florida's lead agency representative, president of the industry membership, and inaugural chairman of its Enforcement and Industry Modernization Committee. He also served on Florida's Flagler County School Board and on the American Trucking Associations' Law Enforcement Advisory Board. A graduate of Flagler College with a degree in Public Administration, Barrs is the proud father of two children.
Rebecca M. Brewster
President and Chief Operating Officer, American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI)
Speaking: Unpacking Florida's Top 10 — Friday, July 31, 9:00–9:45 a.m.
Rebecca Brewster is President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the trucking industry's not-for-profit research organization dedicated to improving the industry's safety and productivity.
Rebecca has been with ATRI for more than 33 years. Prior to that, she served as Public and Governmental Affairs Director for the Cary, North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and as a Fleet Analyst with Moen, Inc. She is the recipient of several honors, including DC Velocity's 2025 Rainmakers award, the 2013 Influential Woman in Trucking award from the Women in Trucking Association, and the 2010 J.R. "Bob" Halladay award presented by the 50 state trucking associations. Rebecca holds a B.A. in English from Wofford College and is a Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership.
John J. Diez
Chief Executive Officer, Ryder System, Inc.
Speaking: Dockside Discussion with Ryder, with Scott Perry (FTA) — Saturday, Aug. 1, 8:00–8:30 a.m.
John J. Diez is the Chief Executive Officer of Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leading supply chain, dedicated transportation, and commercial fleet management solutions company. He was named CEO on March 31, 2026, and was elected to the Ryder board of directors that same month.
Most recently, Diez served as Ryder's President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company's three business segments: Fleet Management Solutions (FMS), Supply Chain Solutions (SCS), and Dedicated Transportation Solutions (DTS). Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, managing all of Ryder's financial functions, and earlier served as president of both FMS and DTS. Diez joined Ryder in 2002 after serving as an audit senior manager at KPMG LLP. He serves on the boards of Trinity Industries, Inc. (NYSE: TRN), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Jackson Health Foundation, and holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Accounting from Florida International University.
Jon Dittmer
Claims Strategy Director, Carrier Claims Alliance (CCA)
Speaking: Turning the Tide, A New Approach to Trucking Risk (breakout, with Clay Hamblen, CCA, and Matt Penland, Cypress Truck Lines) — Friday, July 31, 9:50–10:35 a.m.
Jon Dittmer serves as Claims Strategy Director for Carrier Claims Alliance (CCA), an organization focused on improving communication, transparency, and early resolution practices within the trucking industry's claims process.
Jon works closely with carriers and claims teams to support implementation of CCA's direct mediation approach, focusing on communication, early intervention, and practical claims-resolution strategies designed to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary litigation. He plays an active role in developing operational processes and scalable solutions that help carriers take a more proactive approach to claims management and claimant communication. With a background in entrepreneurship, technology development, recruiting, and operational systems, Jon brings a practical, solutions-oriented mindset to advancing collaborative claims strategies within the transportation industry.
Chris Dudley
The Southern Group, Tallahassee
Speaking: Navigating the Legislative Waters, The Policy Forecast, with Rep. Chip LaMarca and Rep. Tom Fabricio — Friday, July 31, 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Chris Dudley joined The Southern Group's Tallahassee office in 2000 after serving seven years at the highest levels of Florida government. He has since developed extensive policy expertise spanning appropriations, education, economic and business development, energy, transportation, land use, technology, utilities, and regulated industries.
Chris began his career as a legislative aide in the Florida House of Representatives before joining the Florida Department of Education, where he served as special assistant, deputy legislative director, and deputy chief of staff to Education Commissioner Frank Brogan. In 1998, he joined the Bush-Brogan gubernatorial campaign and later served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Jeb Bush. Chris is a founding member of the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists, was named Lobbyist of the Year by Influence Magazine, and has been recognized by Florida Trend as one of the 500 Most Influential Floridians for the past eight years. In 2019, he was recognized as a Pioneer Advocate for the Florida trucking industry. A native of Fort Myers, Chris holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Florida, a Master of Legal Studies from Vanderbilt University College of Law, and completed the Applied Business Analytics executive program at MIT Sloan.
Rep. Tom Fabricio
Florida State Representative, House District 110
Speaking: Navigating the Legislative Waters, The Policy Forecast, with Chris Dudley, The Southern Group, and Rep. Chip LaMarca — Friday, July 31, 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tom Fabricio is a member of the Florida Legislature, serving as State Representative for House District 110, which includes unincorporated northwestern portions of Miami-Dade County, the Town of Miami Lakes, and part of Hialeah. He currently chairs the Joint Committee on Collective Bargaining and serves as Vice Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, as well as on the Judiciary Committee, the Rules and Ethics Committee, the Criminal Justice Subcommittee, the Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee, the Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee, and the Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee.
Rep. Fabricio previously served the State of Florida in the Florida State Guard, holding the rank of Captain and serving as Commander's Legal Advisor for the Critical Response Battalion. He has also served on the Broward County Charter Review Commission and on several county and municipal advisory boards. Tom is the managing partner of The Fabricio Law Firm, focusing on commercial and real estate litigation and real estate transactions. He is a member of the Florida Bar and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. He earned his J.D. from Nova Southeastern University in 2008 and his B.A. in Political Science and English Literature, cum laude, from Marymount Manhattan College in 2005. Tom is happily married to attorney Laura Fabricio, and together they have two daughters, Veronica and Alexandra.
Clay Hamblen
Executive Director, Carrier Claims Alliance (CCA)
Speaking: Turning the Tide, A New Approach to Trucking Risk (breakout, with Jon Dittmer, CCA, and Matt Penland, Cypress Truck Lines) — Friday, July 31, 9:50–10:35 a.m.
Clay Hamblen is Executive Director of Carrier Claims Alliance (CCA), an organization focused on improving communication, transparency, and early resolution practices within the trucking industry's claims process.
With more than 15 years of experience in the trucking industry spanning operations, recruiting, safety, risk management, and claims administration, Clay has worked extensively with motor carriers to develop practical strategies that reduce litigation exposure, improve claimant communication, and strengthen overall risk management. He previously held leadership roles with Cypress Truck Lines, where he helped develop operational and claims-management processes focused on early intervention and direct communication. Clay is a strong advocate for safety-first carrier cultures and is passionate about supporting trucking companies that invest heavily in compliance, driver training, coaching, and preventative safety initiatives.
Greg Hodgen
CEO, Groendyke Transport, Inc.; ATA Board Chair
Speaking: Setting the Course, Groendyke's Commitment to Safety & Policy — Saturday, Aug. 1, 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Greg Hodgen is CEO of Groendyke Transport, Inc., one of the nation's largest tank-truck carriers, with over 90 years of expertise in bulk liquid and hazardous materials transportation. Under Greg's leadership, Groendyke has enjoyed steady growth, including its 2019 expansion into the Southeast U.S. through the largest acquisition in company history, and continued safety excellence, winning its record ninth National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) North American Safety Champion Award in 2023. A 1991 graduate of Colorado State University, Greg joined Groendyke shortly thereafter and has previously held the positions of President, COO, Executive Vice President, and Vice President of Operations.
Greg serves on the Executive Committee of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), where he was appointed vice chairman and incoming chairman by the Board Management Committee, and has served on the NTTC board since 2000, including as NTTC Chairman. He is active in numerous community and industry organizations, including the Young Presidents' Organization, Leadership Oklahoma (past chair), the Grand National Quail Club (past president), the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce board, and the Oklahoma Business Roundtable. Greg has been married to Shawn Groendyke-Hodgen for almost 34 years, and they have two sons, Gage and Zane.
Chip LaMarca
Florida State Representative, House District 100
Speaking: Navigating the Legislative Waters, The Policy Forecast, with Chris Dudley, The Southern Group, and Rep. Tom Fabricio — Friday, July 31, 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Chip LaMarca is a lifelong resident of coastal Broward County, representing Broward's coastal communities as State Representative for House District 100. He has earned a reputation as a citizens' advocate and a respected voice for taxpayers, families, veterans, first responders, and pets.
After attending Broward College and Florida Atlantic University, Chip followed in the footsteps of his late father, helping create jobs in the construction industry. In 2006, after more than 20 years in the industry, he opened LaMarca Construction, a firm specializing in power generation; he and his wife, Eileen, now run The LaMarca Group, a business and nonprofit consulting firm. Chip's public service began in 2005 with his election to the Lighthouse Point City Commission, followed by election to the Broward County Commission in 2010. In 2018, he made the personal sacrifice of leaving South Florida behind each session to run for the State House of Representatives, keeping the only Broward seat in the majority, and has since worked in Tallahassee to hold the line on spending, cut taxes, and bring resources back to his community.
Randy McDuffie
Thermo King North Florida
Speaking: Smooth Sailing Through Emissions Regulations (breakout, with Joey Young, Publix, and Earl Sims, Sunbelt Carrier Transport Refrigeration) — Friday, July 31, 9:50–10:35 a.m.
Randy McDuffie has built a successful career in sales and account management spanning more than 38 years. He began his professional journey with Genuine Parts Company in 1986, serving in multiple sales roles over a 28-year career, including his final 10 years as National Accounts Sales Manager, where he focused on developing customer relationships, managing key accounts, and delivering results through strategic leadership and customer service.
In 2014, Randy joined Thermo King North Florida, where he continues to apply his experience and commitment to building lasting relationships, understanding customer needs, and providing solutions that create long-term value. Throughout his career, Randy has remained dedicated to professionalism, integrity, and service. Outside of work, he values time with his wife, Kathy, of 38 years, and their two sons, and enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors.
Major Erick McGuire
Troop I Commander, Florida Highway Patrol; President, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)
Speaking: Chat with the Captains of Safety Panel, part of the FMCSA Update & Chat with the Captains of Safety session — Saturday, Aug. 1, 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Major Erick McGuire is a law enforcement professional with 19 years of service with the Florida Highway Patrol, dedicated to upholding the laws and regulations pertaining to roadway safety, community trust, and stakeholder partnerships. A native of Florida who began his career in Jacksonville, he has built a reputation as a dedicated Trooper specializing in Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.
His previous appointments include Sergeant over the Training Section, Lieutenant over the Orlando District, District Captain of Jacksonville and Ocala, and Vice Chair of the North American Inspectors Championship. He currently serves as Florida Highway Patrol's Troop I Commander, based in Tallahassee, overseeing Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) troopers across North Florida, and serves as President of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
Matthew Penland
Vice President of Safety & Risk Management, Cypress Truck Lines
Speaking: Turning the Tide, A New Approach to Trucking Risk (breakout, with Jon Dittmer and Clay Hamblen, CCA) — Friday, July 31, 9:50–10:35 a.m.
Matthew Penland was born into a trucking family, with Cypress Truck Lines a part of his life from an early age — born just one year before the company was founded, he has grown alongside the organization and experienced the trucking industry from nearly every angle. Matthew learned the business from the ground up, gaining firsthand insight into the people, processes, and responsibilities that keep freight moving safely and efficiently.
That hands-on background has given him a unique perspective on transportation and the critical importance of building and maintaining a strong safety culture throughout an organization. Since 2012, Matthew has focused on safety and risk management, helping develop practical strategies that protect drivers, customers, and the motoring public while supporting operational excellence. Guided by a commitment to faith, service, and integrity, he is passionate about helping carriers build safety-first cultures through training, accountability, continuous improvement, and proactive risk management. Today, as Vice President of Safety & Risk Management for Cypress Truck Lines, Matthew leads the company's safety and risk management efforts while advocating for practical solutions that strengthen safety performance and support professional drivers.
Scott Perry
President & CEO, Florida Trucking Association
Speaking: State of the Association — Friday, July 31, 8:00–8:30 a.m.; Dockside Discussion with Ryder, with John J. Diez, Ryder — Saturday, Aug. 1, 8:00–8:30 a.m.
Scott Perry was named President & CEO of Florida Trucking Association (FTA) effective June 1, 2026. A Florida-based logistics and transportation executive, Perry brings more than 30 years of industry leadership and insight to the role.
Perry built the foundation of his career over more than 26 years at Ryder System, Inc., where he held a wide range of operational and functional leadership roles in logistics and transportation, rising to Chief Technology and Procurement Officer. He went on to lead The Suddath Companies as President of Specialized Logistics, and most recently served as Vice President of Regional Operations and Brokerage at Proficient Auto Logistics. Perry's ties to FTA run deep: a longtime member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, he previously served as Chairman in 2021, championing safety, technology, and efforts to modernize the industry's image and strengthen workforce recruitment. He has also spent more than a decade in the fight against human trafficking, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) for 10 years. Perry holds a B.A. in Political Science from Jacksonville State University, an MBA from the University of Tennessee, and a Master of Liberal Arts in Sustainability from Harvard University.
Sgt. 1st Class George Seiler
Investigative Task Force Supervisor, Bureau of Criminal Investigations & Intelligence, Florida Highway Patrol
Speaking: From Shore to Shore, Stopping Highway Robbery — Friday, July 31, 8:30–9:00 a.m.
Sgt. 1st Class George Seiler is assigned to the Florida Highway Patrol's Bureau of Criminal Investigations & Intelligence, where he serves as Investigative Task Force Supervisor. He also serves on the FBI's Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST), applying specialized technical expertise to criminal investigations. Sgt. Seiler is based out of FHP's Lakeland office.
Earl Sims
Sales Manager, Sunbelt Carrier Transport Refrigeration
Speaking: Smooth Sailing Through Emissions Regulations (breakout, with Joey Young, Publix, and Randy McDuffie, Thermo King North Florida) — Friday, July 31, 9:50–10:35 a.m.
Earl Sims brings 40 years of sales and executive management experience in transportation, logistics, and client services. He began his career with Consolidated Freightways in Atlanta, a role that eventually brought him to Tampa. Over the course of his career, Earl has successfully served local businesses as well as regional and national accounts, helping clients navigate changing economic and legislative landscapes through strategic partnership and trusted counsel.
After 12 years in sales management and executive leadership with service-based companies, Earl returned to the transportation industry, where he has spent the last 22 years specializing in cold chain logistics. He currently serves as Sales Manager for Sunbelt Carrier Transport Refrigeration. Earl and his wife, Kelley, live in Tampa, where they enjoy spending time with their three children and five young grandchildren. In his free time, Earl enjoys golf, travel, and following the "Process" — Alabama Crimson Tide football.
J.W. Taylor
Founding Member, Taylor Nelson Slattery Bernard PL
Speaking: Brokerage Blueprint, Post-Montgomery, What Changed? What Didn't? What Now? — Friday, July 31 & Saturday, Aug. 1, 12:00–12:30 p.m.
J.W. Taylor is the founding member of the boutique transportation and logistics law firm Taylor Nelson Slattery Bernard PL. Recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer and AV rated as a Preeminent Lawyer with Martindale-Hubbell, J.W. uses his industry experience to represent transportation and logistics companies in matters of claims litigation, including personal injury litigation and ADR, cargo claims, and contract disputes.
In addition to litigation, J.W. is skilled in corporate restructuring, insurance design, equipment financing, and risk management matters. A frequent speaker on transportation and logistics issues, he is a Thomas Ruke Fellow and a member of MCIEF, the Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA), the Transportation & Logistics Council (TLC), and the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). J.W. sat on the Florida Trucking Association (FTA) Board of Directors from 2019 to 2022 and currently serves on FTA's Public Policy Committee and Membership Recruitment Committee, as well as the Polk State Corporate College Supply Chain Management & Logistics Advisory Board.
Joey Young
Fleet Maintenance Operations Manager, Publix Super Markets
Speaking: Smooth Sailing Through Emissions Regulations (breakout, with Earl Sims, Sunbelt Carrier Transport Refrigeration, and Randy McDuffie, Thermo King North Florida) — Friday, July 31, 9:50–10:35 a.m.
Joey Young is the Fleet Maintenance Operations Manager for Publix Super Markets, with over 30 years of experience in the maintenance and transportation industry, including 19 years with Publix. He serves as General Vice Chairman for the Technology & Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Associations and as Chairman of the Technology & Maintenance Council of the Florida Trucking Association.
A United States Marine Corps veteran, Joey worked as a technician in the avionics field on fixed-wing aircraft such as the Harrier. He has been married for 30 years to his wife, Angie, has three children and two grandchildren, and enjoys outdoor sports including scuba diving and hunting.