Doug McElhaney

President

I have 23 years experience in trucking and supply chain management. I work for the Dave Nemo show as an industry analyst and I write for Owner Operator Magazine which is published by Randall Reilly.I received a BS in Logistics and Transportation from UT, Knoxville and received an MBA in Supply Chain Management from Clayton State University.

My wife of 16 years is Dawn McElhaney, who is a reading specialist for Cobb County Schools, Atlanta, GA.  We have two children, Emily, 11 and Carson, 3.

I currently reside in Atlanta, GA.

My hobbies include running, hunting, reading and spending time with family.

Tom Liutkus

Vice President

I am the Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations for TravelCenters of America, LLC. One major role our department has is to support our customers in as many ways possible. A BIG way is the involvement with the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund. We know at TA and Petro, we can make a big difference to truck drivers in need.

I have been with TA for nine years, before that, over twenty years with a major oil company. Between these two companies, I have had job experiences within operations, real estate, convenience store retailing, brand management, incentive management, procurement, commercial sales, marketing, and public relations. I am thrilled to use this background for the betterment of drivers in need.

I have been married 28 years to my wife Terri, who is a finance and banking professional. We have two children, Tim (22) and Katie (19), both college students as of this writing.

Ed Grandi

Secretary

I have served as the Executive Director of the American Sleep Apnea Association since 2004. I started my non-profit career as a director of development after 25 years as an insurance executive. I also have a background in sales and marketing.

 

Other Members:

Tim Ridley

Over the past 25 years, I have been blessed to work in many areas of the trucking industry.  I've been a truck driving school instructor, Director of Training, Director of Job Placement, a small fleet owner, and Driver Recruiter and Terminal Manager with Marten Transport, LTD.  I use my experience in these positions and my years spent as a Military Chaplain to relate to drivers and try to help them on many levels.  I’m currently the General Manager at Dave Nemo Entertainment as well as an on-air personality on The Dave Nemo Show.  I am married to a wonderful lady, Maricel, and we are the parents of our pride and joy, T.J., who keeps us busy! 

My educational background includes: Tennessee State University - School of Engineering;
Clayton State University - School of Business; Coral Ridge University- Biblical Studies 
Andersonville Theological Seminary –  Master of Divinity (M.Div)  

Some of the organizations and positions served or once served include: Board member of the Butts County, GA Veterans Day Committee; DeKalb Tech Advisory Board Committee; Special Olympics Convoy with the Marietta, GA Police Department; GA Army National Guard Youth Challenge Academy Mentor; GA Army National Guard YCA Selection Committee; Member of the State Guard Association of The United States 

I enjoy working on my 1929 Mercedes Gazelle with my son and building our model railroad, which is a work in progress!  We also enjoy camping and spending time in nature as a family. I love weight lifting and riding my Gold Wing as a tool to relieve stress and meditate.  

Scott Miller

I have worked in the trucking industry for Randall Reilly Publishing LLC for over ten years. Randall-Reilly provides numerous publications, trade shows and other products that reach all arenas in the trucking industry. As Group Publisher for the Randall-Reilly Recruiting Division, our goal is two-fold. We strive to provide fleets the best opportunity to reach qualified drivers through print advertising, online avenues and at trade shows. We also want to put drivers in the best position available to them so they can reach their own personal goals for their families and quality of life.

I have been married for the past eight years to my incredible wife, Anne. We have been blessed with three beautiful girls.

I also served our country in the Air Force from 1992 - 1997. I was stationed at Shaw AFB and Osan AFB outside of Seoul South Korea. We are highly active in our church and participate in local missions such as Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls club. I also help lead the college and career group.

Ty Morgan

I have 8 years of experience working on the advertising/marketing side of the trucking industry. For example, I worked for Affiliated Computer Services, Inc (ACS) Advertising as Director of Sales/Strategic Accounts.

I received a BA in Marketing from Missouri Southern State University.

I have 2 daughters ages 3 and 2 (one biological one adopted from Ethiopia.)

I am involved in orphan advocacy organizations.

Sandi Soendker

I’ve been a reporter/editor for more than 40 years. I’ve covered the trucking industry for 23 years. I was hired by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association in 1987 as a reporter. I’ve been Managing Editor of Land Line Magazine since 1991.

I am currently serving my second term as employee alternate to the OOIDA Board of Directors. I am also a member of Truck Writers of North America, Women In Trucking, Kansas City Press Club, Society of Professional Journalists, Missouri Quarter Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association.

I am married and have one son.

Lee Strebel

I have been an over the road trucker for now over 35 years. I have been blessed to have been awarded many safe driving certificates along with numerous Driver of the Year awards. I have worked with Special Olympics as a participant and as an ambassador to the Worlds Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics. I have also worked with Truckstop Ministries for over 24 years as a supporter and also as a chaplin for a few years. In the past few years, I have coordinated the concerts in the Papa Johns parking lot at the MATS shows to raise money for charity.

Dr. John McElligott, M.D.

Medical Review Officer

I am a physician at Occupational Health Systems, a company that I started over 10 years ago.  I have been a doctor for 24 years.  Before that, I was a physician’s assistant for 15 years.  I am married and have 6 children.  I spend the majority of my days trying to take care of people who need help. 

 

Executive Director:

Donna Kennedy, Ph.D., M.S.

I have been Executive Director of the Fund since inception.  My position has provided a great opportunity to learn about the trucking industry, business in general, and the great need truckers have for medical care.  I am excited about the future of the Fund and the many possibilities we have to help drivers.

In addition to working for the Fund, have taught Introductory Psychology at UT and Health Science Research at South College.  I received a BA in Psychology from UT, a MS in Research Psychology from UTC and a Ph.D. in Health Research Psychology from UT.

My wonderful husband and I are delighted each day our son and daughter, who have brought indescribable joy to our lives.  My hobbies include: photography, playing games, reading, going for walks, and spending time with family.

 

Operations Manager:

Arlene Plemons

It is my pleasure to serve as the St. Christopher Fund's Operations Manger and Director of Fundraising. I have 14 years of experience in medical office billing and management. I use this experience to help applicants negotiate their medical bills and navigate the ever changing landscape of the health care world. I am passionate about risk reduction and a healthier lifestyle for our drivers.

I have my Masters in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and live in Knoxville with my husband Sam and our two dogs, Duke and Titan.

 

Director of Fundraising:

Denise Pittenger, M.Ed.

I am excited to be working with the St. Christopher Truckers Development & Relief Fund as a consultant. My many years of experience are with non-profit organizations. I am passionate about seeing the value of what our truckers do every day. In turn that keeps me committed to finding the best way to add donors that will provide additional funds to meet the mission of this organization.

My education includes a Bachelor of Science in Education ‑ Bowling Green State University in Ohio and a Master's of Arts in Education from Marietta College in Ohio.

Having two adult children and a wonderful husband allows me the time for being creative and networking within the trucking community.

St. Christopher Truckers Development & Relief Fund   •   P.O. Box 30763 Knoxville, Tennessee 37930
Phone (865) 202-9428   •   Donate (877) 332-GIVE   •   Fax (865) 851-8396   •   truckersfund@gmail.com