This article was published in the March 2019 edition of NTEA News.
NTEA announced the 2019–2020 Board of Directors at President’s Breakfast & NTEA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana. This year, one distributor and two manufacturers were elected. NTEA is governed by its Association Bylaws under the leadership of this member-elected Board. Each Director completes a three-year term.
Newly elected distributor Board member
Teresa L. Miller’s perspective is shaped by more than 25 years in the industry. Her role at American Midwest Fleet Solutions evolved from handling customer requests and shipping arrangements to hiring and managing employees to supervising daily operations. She later transitioned to vice president of sales and marketing and then chief operating officer — a position she has held for more than a decade.
She has been heavily involved with NAFA Fleet Management Association and is a member of Automotive Fleet Leasing Association’s Women in Fleet Management. Teresa has political campaign experience at the state representative level, supports various activities for veterans throughout the year and volunteers at a local senior living facility.
Her interest in Board service was motivated by a desire to share fresh ideas and encourage others to join the industry. She foresees NTEA keeping the industry up-to-date on vehicle changes by becoming a leading provider of educational content, offering hands-on training for new hires and existing employees.
Newly elected manufacturer Board members
Eric Jones joined Muncie Power Products Inc. as zone sales manager in 2005, starting his career in the work truck industry. For the next decade, his responsibilities grew to encompass the company’s brand strategy, marketing, snow and ice removal system division, and OEM-focused salesforce. In 2015, he transitioned to VBG Group Truck Equipment as vice president of sales and marketing for Onspot of North America. Two years later, he became global sales director of Onspot operations.
He earned a bachelor’s in political science and master’s in business administration at Ball State University. In addition, he completed an executive program in industrial management at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Eric joined NTEA’s Generation Next leadership team in 2010 and later served as chairman. Since 2013, he has been board president and capital campaign chair of Muncie Civic Theatre. He has been involved in Christian Ministries of Delaware County and Academy for Community Leadership for the Muncie and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.
Eric considers joining NTEA’s Board an opportunity to continue the legacy of service that characterizes the Association and help the industry grow. He envisions NTEA maintaining its role as the cornerstone of learning and communication, showing young professionals the commercial vehicle industry offers vibrant, exciting career options. From his perspective, NTEA holds a unique position of influence to support the update and/or removal of regulations that slow down the pace of innovation and work toward well-informed, efficient industry standards.
In 1993, Ben Winter joined Transfer Flow Inc. — an automotive manufacturing company that focuses on certified legal fuel systems, OEM fabricated parts, and tube and hose specialties. With many years spent piloting growth in a sales management capacity, Ben accrued vast experience introducing service opportunities and executing projects with successful profits. In 2010, he became director of business development with an emphasis on OEM sales and growth. His role is multifaceted and involves networking, customer maintenance, presenting new business and fielding diversity in manufacturing.
Ben studied project management at Butte College and business ethics and speech/debate at California State University, Chico. He’s currently active as an advisor or board member for many different manufacturing business associations, including Specialty Equipment Market Association, National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, California Air Resources Board,
Environmental Protection Agency and National Association of Manufacturers. In addition, he’s vice chair at Chico Chamber of Commerce; board member for EveryBody Healthy Body and Chico Legislative Action; and mentor at Chico Chamber’s Young Professionals Organization and Chico Striders (youth running club).
He became interested in NTEA Board involvement to collaborate and contribute to the growth and development of the industry. Ben wants to use his OEM relationships to promote manufacturing and the education necessary for its continued advancement. He sees NTEA remaining focused on educational resources to support building competitive products, while understanding legal guidelines and fostering enhanced communication between industry companies and certification agencies.
A complete list of Board members is available at ntea.com/board.
