Jodie Teuton, Kenworth of Louisiana co-founder and vice president, recently was honored with the 10th annual “Influential Woman In Trucking” award presented by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT). The announcement came during the WIT Accelerate! Virtual Conference & Expo.
The prestigious award recognizes women in the trucking industry who make or influence key decisions, have proven records of responsibility and serve as a role model to other women. WIT developed the award as a way to honor female leaders in trucking and to attract and advance women within the industry.
“It’s very humbling to receive this special honor from Women In Trucking,” said Teuton, “The trucking industry offers a myriad of opportunities for women as we work together to encourage and attain greater diversity in our companies and businesses. The advent of zero emissions trucks, such as battery-electric vehicles, makes today an especially exciting time for women to join our industry.”
Teuton shares the WIT honor with Kristy Knichel, CEO of Knichel Logistics, as the award featured a tie for the first time.Teuton and Knichel were selected from a group of six nominees.
Teuton received her B.S. in Business from Nicholls State University in 1987 and her J.D. from Loyola University in 1990. She practiced law before entering the retail truck and auto business in 1997.
In 2018, Teuton became the first woman to be elected chair of the American Truck Dealers (ATD), which was founded in 1970. She served a two-year term in that key ATD position. Teuton currently represents Kenworth dealers as ATD line representative.
Teuton and Scott Oliphant, her spouse and business partner, operate Kenworth of Louisiana and its Kenworth dealerships in Gray, Harahan, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Port Allen, and Shreveport, Louisiana. Kenworth of Louisiana maintains its headquarters in Gray.
Kenworth Truck Company is a corporate sponsor of Women In Trucking, and was recognized by WIT as a 2020 top workplace for women in the transportation industry. Women In Trucking is a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry. The organization continues to build a strong community among its members who believe in and support its mission. More information is available at the WIT website (www.womenintrucking.org).
