2025 Annual Convention Speakers

Rebecca Brewster - Where the Research Meets the Road

American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) President and COO

Rebecca Brewster is President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI).

Rebecca is the recipient of several awards including Fleet Owner magazine’s 2016 Dozen Outstanding Women in Trucking, the 2013 Influential Woman in Trucking award from the Women in Trucking Association, and the 2010 J.R. Bob Halladay award given by the 50 state trucking associations.

Rebecca has been with ATRI for 30 years. Prior to that, she was the Public and Governmental Affairs Director for the Cary, North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and a Fleet Analyst with Moen, Inc. She has a B.A. in English from Wofford College and is a Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership.

Joe Petrelli - Target Practice with Truckers: Background and How to Fight Back

Demotech President

Joe Petrelli is the President and Co-Founder of Demotech, specializing in evaluating the financial stability of regional and specialty insurers. A recognized expert in financial analysis and solvency management issues in the insurance industry, Joe has been dedicated to providing inclusive services that have served to “level the playing field” for the small to mid-sized Property & Casualty insurance companies and Title underwriters. His insight and innovation have resulted in many firsts within the industry, including a model for assigning Financial Stability Ratings® (FSRs) based on balance sheet strength and financial integrity, the development and utilization of a Management Audit Process well in advance of today’s emphasis on “enterprise risk management,” an ongoing analysis to evaluate assigned FSRs relative to insurer survival rates, and the development of a procedure to review and rate start-up insurance companies.

Joe leads an experienced and highly qualified team that reviews and issues FSRs with a proven track-record of assessing the long term solvency of insurers. He is a regular speaker and presenter at industry conferences on topics of risk management, compliance, regulatory reporting, and actuarial and financial analysis. Joe has a strong passion for education and professional development, actively supporting trade associations, contributing to industry journals, and is the driving force behind the recent formation of the Buckeye Actuarial Continuing Education, affiliate of the Casualty Actuarial Society. Joe is also a member of the Casualty Actuarial Society, the Society of Actuaries, and the American Academy of Actuaries.

Joe has been actively engaged in the Property & Casualty insurance industry since 1969, beginning his career at the Insurance Services Office (ISO), then holding positions at Agway Insurance Company and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and as a consulting actuary prior to founding Demotech in 1985.

Joe holds a B.S. in Actuarial Science from the College of Insurance (St. John’s University) and an M.B.A. from The Ohio State University.

Sommer Mason - Human Resources & Employee Retention

Gallagher Regional Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Compensation Consulting Practice

Sommer joined Gallagher in November, 2016.She began her career in technology in 1998 and moved into Human Resources as a Compensation Analyst in 2000. Prior to joining the Gallagher Benefit Services Baton Rouge office, Sommer served in various Compensation and Benefits leadership roles within Human Resource Departments.

Sommer is an accomplished Compensation and Benefits professional with Project Management experience in various industries such as Manufacturing, Healthcare, Wellness, Oil & Gas, Energy and Construction. She received her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification in 2010 and is highly skilled in leading large-scale projects with significant financial impact.

Sommer's primary role is to prepare for and present Gallagher's Human Resources and Compensation resources to prospective clients and is involved in special projects related to Human Resources and Compensation Consulting. Sommer's strong analytical skills, strategic approach and commitment to excellent customer service makes her a trusted advisor to both clients and her Gallagher team.

Sommer is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. She is a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.Sommer resides near the Baton Rouge area with her husband and two children.

Scott Grandys - Safety and On-road Performance Data: Understand it and How to Use It

ClearConnect Solutions President & Co-Founder

Scott Grandys co-founded ClearConnect Solutions, LLC and the ClearCoverage program. With more than two decades of experience in the transportation industry, Scott focuses specifically on technology and compliance by incorporating the technical side of practical applications to create the best practices. Scott has worked hand-in-hand with all necessary components including legality, compliance, technology, and insurance.

Dennis Dellinger - Focus on the Future in Washington, D.C.

American Trucking Associations (ATA) Chairman

Dennis joined Cargo Transporters in April of 1986 as a Driver Supervisor. Through the years, personal and company growth allowed Dennis the opportunity to serve in the capacity of General Manager, VP of Operations, and Vice President of Cargo Transporters. In February 2004, Dennis was named President of Cargo Transporters. In 2019 he was named President and CEO, where he continues to serve in that capacity.

Dennis is currently serving as Chairman of the American Trucking Associations, the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight.

Under Dennis’ leadership, Cargo Transporters has grown, adding two terminals (Rocky Mount, NC, and Charlotte, NC) and a $6 million facility expansion for parking that enabled consolidation of locations and improved operations. Additionally, the Cargo team has won numerous safety and environmental awards, including ATA’s President’s Fleet Safety Award, TCA’s Fleet Safety Award, EPA Smartway Excellence Award, Inbound Logistics’ 75 Green Supply Chain Partners award, and HDT’s Top 50 Green Fleets award. Cargo Transporters has also employed an America’s Road Team Captain.

In addition to his responsibilities at Cargo Transporters, Dennis serves as the Immediate Past Chair for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). Through Dennis’ leadership and steadfastness, TCA’s programs continued to grow through the challenges of 2020 – 2021 from record attendance at the Fourth Annual Bridging the Border Barriers meeting held virtually, maintaining TCA’s prominence in the Capitol Christmas Tree tradition to vital education webinars led by TCA staff with larger than normal attendance. He also serves on the Board of Directors and Vice-Chair of the Safety Policy Committee at ATA. He represents the North Carolina Trucking Association (NCTA) where he serves on the Board of Directors and is a Past Chairman. He also holds an advisory position with The Trucking Alliance.

Dennis’ interests include reading, spectator sports to include supporting the Carolina Panthers, and spending time with his family. Dennis and his wife, Sherel, live in Hickory, NC. He is the father of daughter, Dana (Graham) McRary and Papa D to Lachlan and Emma.