Ken Armstrong Chosen to Lead FTA


BY TISHA CREWS KELLER Florida’s trucking industry is vital to the


well-being and livelihood of everyone in the state—the trucks represented by the Florida Trucking Association travel the length of this massive state carrying the goods that make modern life possible. That means across 58,000 square miles, criss-crossed by the 12,000 miles of highway, along the 13-hour Panhandle- to-Keys drive, trucks supply the fourth largest state in the U.S. every single day, year-round. And without Florida’s trucking industry, our 19 million citizens would want for the very necessities of daily life. On Thursday, February 6, 2014, Ken


Armstrong began as President and CEO of the Florida Trucking Association (FTA). Ken succeeds Mary Lou Rajchel, who left the position after seven years as the chief advocate for the state’s trucking industry. He brings extensive nonprofit experience to the FTA, including over a decade at the United Way of the Big Bend. Ken’s appointment is an exciting


opportunity, according to the chairman, Doc Hyder of Rowland Transportation (Dade City). “We are excited about Ken’s


extensive experience in resource building and his proven leadership,” Hyder said. “We saw in him the opportunity to tell our story to a new audience and use his tenacity to make sure everyone knows how important this industry is.” In this position, Ken will help our


350-member organization elevate the image and issues of the state’s trucking industry in political, regulatory and business arenas. His mission is clear: to continually tell the story of the industry in a way that underscores the


Florida Truck News Q1 WINTER 2014


essential value of trucking for all Floridians and our visitors. Ken is a veteran of the nonprofit sector,


and FTA is the fourth institution where he has served as chief executive officer. Much of his career has been in resource development; organizations under his leadership have raised almost a quarter billion dollars.


political contacts to push forward the issues of Florida’s trucking industry. As the most visible spokesperson for the industry, he will call upon this group of varied leaders to help inform and guide his advocacy for the FTA. “I had the privilege of working together


with Ken for many years during his tenure as the CEO of the United Way of the Big Bend,” noted Chris Dudley, Managing Partner of Southern Strategy Group. “ I know he will bring the same level of success to the trucking community in Florida.” Ken most recently led the United


Way of the Big Bend for 16 years. While he was at the helm, the organization received the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce’s 1999 Small Business Excellence Award. That same year, he won the Distinguished Leadership Award, presented by Leadership Tallahassee. He also received the Budd Bell “Champion for Children” and the Workforce Plus “Living the Mission” awards over the course of his career. He has served on almost 20 community boards and coalitions, and continues to have deep roots in the community and a great passion for the organizations that improve lives locally. Ken will benefit from his time as


chair of the Board of Governors of United Way of Florida as he leads this major


In past leadership roles, he worked with


such national figures as Bill Gates, Carol Burnett, Jeb Bush, Jimmy Buffett and Roger Staubach on major gift and community development. He brings these skills to the FTA to enhance its business contacts and community involvement. He will draw from an extensive network


of business, nonprofit, government and


statewide trade association. Throughout his 25+ year career, he has brought imagination, warmth and growth to the organizations he has led. He is noted for his high level of energy and ability to draw people to the cause he represents. We are excited to have Ken on board


and are looking forward to the new course he will set for the FTA. FTN


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PHOTO: TISHA KELLER


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