by Women In Trucking Staff, on Oct 27, 2026, 10:52:03 AM
DALLAS, Tx. – October 27, 2026 – The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Mari Roberts, CTP, senior vice president of the North America Supply Chain, PepsiCo, as the recipient of the 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking award. The award is sponsored by TrueBlue’s Centerline Drivers and recognizes the achievements of female role models and trailblazers in the trucking industry.
“Mari Roberts has built a remarkable career defined by excellence, leadership, and a dedication to empowering others,” said Lana Nichols, interim CEO of WIT. “Her influence reaches across supply chain, private fleets, and the communities she serves. We are proud to name her the 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking.”
The winner was announced during the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas following the panel discussion, “The Ripple Effect: Influence That Lifts Others.” Panelists included Roberts and the 2026 award finalists: Angela Lentz, chief people officer at Daimler Truck North America, and Sauny Tucker, CEO of Tucker Freight Lines. The panel was facilitated by Jill Quinn, president of Centerline Drivers.
L to R: Jill Quinn, president of Centerline Drivers; Angela Lentz, chief people officer of Daimler Truck North America; Sauny Tucker, CEO of Tucker Freight Lines; Lana Nichols, Interim President & CEO of Women In Trucking Association
“The caliber of this year’s nominees reflects the incredible talent and leadership driving our industry forward,” said Quinn. “Congratulations to Mari Roberts on this well-deserved honor. Her leadership and commitment to others continues to make a meaningful impact.”
Mari Roberts, CTP, serves as senior vice president of the North America Supply Chain for PepsiCo Beverage US and PepsiCo Foods US. She and her team deliver operational excellence across manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, fleet, and integrated business solutions.
In her 26-year career with Frito-Lay, Roberts has held numerous field operations and corporate positions in transportation and supply chain. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management from Arizona State University.
Roberts earned her Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) certification in 2009 and has long been a leader in the National Private Truck Council (NPTC). She chaired the NPTC Institute Board of Governors from 2014 to 2022 and currently chairs the NPTC Board of Directors.
Roberts has also held leadership roles with multiple employee resource groups at Frito-Lay, including the Women’s Inclusion Network and the PepsiCo Asian Network, and served as executive sponsor for the EQUAL ERG. She and her team are also actively engaged with the Valor ERG, supporting military-affiliated individuals and their communities.
Further industry recognition includes being named a 2022 Influential Woman in Trucking finalist and a 2026 recipient of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award, presented by the Asian American Business Development Center.
About Women In Trucking Association, Inc.
Women In Trucking Association, Inc. (WIT) champions the employment and advancement of women in trucking, fosters connections, and recognizes achievements. WIT is the original community supporting women in the industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-Suite, offering programs and services to help companies succeed, employees thrive, and individuals make an impact. WIT is supported by the generosity of members, including Gold Partners: Amazon, Bridgestone Americas, C.H. Robinson, Daimler Truck North America, FedEx Freight, Great Dane, International Motors, J.B. Hunt Transport, Michelin North America, PACCAR, Penske Transportation Solutions, Perdue Transportation Inc, Ryder System, UPS, and Walmart. Follow WIT on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube. To learn more, visit womenintrucking.org, email membership@womenintrucking.org or call 888-464-9482.
