Director, Transportation Safety & Compliance, Ashley Distribution Services, LTD
Born and raised on a dairy farm in central Illinois in a family of seven, Steve graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1983 before embarking on a military career. As a U.S. Army Medic, Aeromedical Technician, and Paratrooper, he served with the 247th Medical Detachment and 82nd Airborne Division. Notably, his unit was among the first to deploy within 24 hours of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990.
Following my military service in 1995, I transitioned from my role as a Trauma Technician to the transportation sector. Following in my father's footsteps, I began my trucking career with Buske Lines, where I earned the 1998 Illinois State Truck Driving Championship in my division. My career at Buske Lines progressed through various leadership roles, ultimately serving as Director of Safety, Compliance and Recruiting until the company's acquisition by Gordon Trucking Inc. (GTI) in 2011.
After serving as Director of Terminal Operations at GTI and later as Director of Safety, Recruiting and Human Resources at Freymiller Trucking, I joined the Ashley Family in 2015 as Director of Transportation Safety for Ashley Distribution Services, where I also manage the Driver Compliance Program for Ashley Global Retail.
My educational background includes studies at Southern Illinois University in Aviation Management, Oklahoma State University in Human Resources, and professional credentials from the University of Central Florida as Director of Safety and Certified Driver Trainer. I've also completed Leadership Development certification through the Ashley Leadership Institute at High Point University.
I maintain active involvement in numerous professional organizations, currently serving as Treasurer of the ATA's Safety Management Council. I'm a member of NATMI, National Safety Council, and the National Private Truck Council, among others. In my free time, I support various charitable organizations including Wreaths Across America and the American Legion Post 17 in Arcadia, WI. When not volunteering, I enjoy culinary arts, theater, and spending time boating on the Mississippi River.
