Guest Speaker

Chris, a Registered Respiratory Therapist, holds a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and has over 30 years of experience in critical care, Home Medical Equipment, Sleep Medicine, Sales, and Education as a Clinical Instructor.  Chris has also co-owned and managed 2 successful HME companies throughout the years servicing the patients in the community of his hometown, Kansas City.  

A seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and client success across various industries, including healthcare, insurance, and technology.

Adrian Knight, President and Chief Executive Officer of SleepSafe Drivers®, is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 34 years of experience in the Home Care and Sleep industries. As a Respiratory Therapist, Adrian has a deep understanding of respiratory conditions and their impact on patient health.

Wes Herek is an accomplished safety professional with over 20 years of experience in transportation safety management and training. Currently serving as the Director of Safety and Driver Training at Old Dominion Freight Line, Wes leads a dedicated team overseeing safety initiatives for a fleet of over 11,000 vehicles and more than 13,000 drivers. His notable achievements include the successful deployment of the Lytx DriveCam program, enhanced DOT compliance for the fleet he is responsible for and the creation of comprehensive injury prevention protocols.

Steven Garrish currently serves as Vice President – Safety and Compliance for Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., a position he has held since July 2021. Mr. Garrish supports the preparation and training of ODFL’s workforce of more than 22,000-plus employees, including more than 11,000 truck drivers. He oversees ODFL’s regulatory compliance at a federal and state level, including DOT and OSHA regulations.

Hayden Cardiff is the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Idelic, where he leads AI and machine learning advancements that are transforming fleet safety and risk management. Before Idelic, Hayden co-founded Hyliion, focused on hybrid electrification for trucking, and consulted for Pitt Ohio, a leader in fleet safety and operations. He earned his MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, with a focus on data-driven safety solutions. 

Chris Spear is president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, the nation’s leading organization representing the interests of the trucking industry.  

As president and CEO, Chris leads ATA’s efforts to advocate and educate on behalf of the trucking industry. Employing more than 7 million people and moving more than 10 billion tons of freight annually, trucking is the industry most responsible for moving America’s economy. 

I began my transportation career in 2019, gaining experience in local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR) operations. I've hauled dry vans, straight trucks, drop decks, Conestoga, and refrigerated units, with roles at Schneider International, Cheeseman Transport, and R&L Carriers. As a Class A CDL holder with multiple endorsements, I transitioned from driving to focus on telematics, driver coaching, and safety advocacy while continuing to drive as needed.

Donielle oversees the Corporate Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) program, advising leadership on industry trends and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. She manages safety audits, hazard assessments, and injury management programs while integrating EH&S policies into company operations.

With over 20 years in environmental consulting—including a decade supporting A. Duie Pyle—Donielle has extensive experience in regulatory compliance across DOT, OSHA, EPA, FDA, TSA, and more.