by Courtney Bloom, on Sep 1, 2025 5:00:00 AM
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Lauren Russell as its September 2025 Member of the Month. Russell is a partner at Select Transport Partners.
When Russell reflects on her career in logistics, one theme stands out above all others: growth. From helping small companies expand into industry leaders to co-founding a new brokerage with trusted partners, Russell has spent more than two decades building and supporting strong teams. Today, as a partner at Select Transport Partners, she continues to shape the future of third-party logistics while encouraging women to find their voices in an industry that has historically been male populated.
Russell’s career began right after college when a friend recruited her to join C.H. Robinson’s Chicago Central office. It was an exciting time, with the company fresh from acquiring American Backhaulers. “I immediately loved the energy, problem-solving, and creativity it took to succeed in the logistics industry,” she says. That spark ignited a lifelong career in third-party logistics, one that has allowed her to wear many hats and contribute across multiple areas of business.
Throughout her career, she has worked in human resources, recruiting, agent training, marketing, operations, and even planning conferences and events. “It has been extremely rewarding to use my background to support agents and build strong teams, especially within smaller, growing companies,” Russell says. That passion for supporting people and guiding organizations through growth has defined much of her professional journey.
From Small Teams to Big Impact
One of the most formative experiences of Russell’s career came during her time at Armstrong Transport Group. When she joined, the company had just 15 employees and generated $75 million in revenue. By the time she left, Armstrong had grown into a $1 billion business. Witnessing that kind of transformation firsthand gave Russell a clear perspective on what was possible in logistics.
Select Transport Partners launched in June 2024, and Russell joined as a partner just a few months later. Alongside co-founders Chris Cobb and Tom Milosavljevich, she is now channeling her skills and experiences into building a company from the ground up. The chance to create something lasting is what motivates her daily.
“The excitement of building something from the ground up and creating a place where agents and employees feel supported and valued is what keeps me pushing forward,” she says.
Of course, building something new comes with challenges. At a previous company, Russell was tasked with developing a training program for agents and employees despite having no background in learning and development. Rather than seeing it as an obstacle, she embraced the challenge. By hiring the right talent and committing to learning the systems herself, she and her team created a program that exceeded expectations. It is this kind of adaptability and problem-solving mindset that has enabled her to thrive across different roles and companies.
Russell also credits the guidance of mentors for shaping her approach. She points to Brian Mann, the former CEO of Armstrong, as a particularly influential figure. “He encouraged me to take on new projects and gave me the freedom to approach them in my own way. His collaboration, creativity, and leadership were invaluable to my development,” she says.
Advocating for Women in Trucking
Beyond her work at Select, Russell is a proud member of the Women In Trucking Association, an organization dedicated to advancing the role of women in the industry. For her, the annual conference is a highlight. “The conference experience is fantastic. I love the networking opportunities with women across the industry and the educational sessions that keep me learning and growing,” she says.
Russell knows firsthand that trucking and logistics have long been industries where women are underrepresented. Although progress has been made, she encourages women entering the field to embrace their perspectives and voices saying, “while the industry has changed a lot over the last 25 years, you may still find yourself as the only woman in the room. Don’t be afraid to speak up; you bring a different perspective, and your voice should be heard.”
Her best piece of career advice aligns with that same philosophy: “Always be authentic. People recognize when you’re not genuine. Whether you are dealing with a prospect, customer, or coworker, being yourself and getting to the point will earn trust and respect,” she says. For Russell, authenticity and confidence are not just strategies for success but essential traits for leadership.
As Select Transport Partners continues to grow, Russell’s professional goals are clear. She wants the company to become the go-to brokerage for independent agents, known for strong recruiting, training, and support. She also envisions Select as a destination workplace where both agents and employees feel valued.
Life Beyond Logistics
While Russell dedicates much of her energy to building Select, she also finds joy outside of work. She has a playful appreciation for “grandma-core” hobbies such as painting, puzzles, and crafting Christmas ornaments, though she admits many projects end up tucked away in closets. More consistently, she enjoys playing mahjong with friends in her neighborhood.
Her love for travel is another outlet. After exploring Iceland and Copenhagen this past summer, she is already looking ahead to 2026 when she hopes to visit the Utah National Parks and Alaska. At home, her simple non-negotiable is coffee.
Through every chapter of her life and career, Russell has shown resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to people. Whether mentoring women in the industry, helping agents succeed, or building Select into a thriving company, she continues to create environments where others can grow. In doing so, she has left a mark on logistics that reflects not just her professional accomplishments but her values of authenticity, collaboration, and support.
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- Fueled by Grit: Sue Bell’s Inspiring Journey in Trucking
- Driven by Purpose: A Leader’s Journey in Transportation and Logistics
- Advocating for Trucker Health and Wellness: A Unique Journey in the Trucking Industry
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