This article was published in the April 2018 edition of NTEA News.
NTEA announced the 2018–2019 Board of Trustees at the President’s Breakfast & 54th NTEA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana. This year, three Distributors and two Manufacturers were elected. NTEA is governed by its Association Bylaws under the leadership of this member-elected Board. Each Trustee completes a three-year term.
Newly elected Distributor Trustees
Calvin Geddings joined Lee Transport Equipment Inc. as an inside salesperson in 2005, progressed to sales manager and then general manager — a role he’s held for the last five years. His background includes five years at Crandall Corporation where he purchased and maintained a fleet of highly specialized Class 2–8 commercial trucks, serving as operations manager and then director of corporate operations. Beyond this, Calvin has more than 15 years of automotive dealer experience, winning many awards for performance and customer satisfaction.
He earned associate’s degrees in applied physics, civil engineering and mechanical engineering from Central Carolina Technical College. On top of numerous management and technical certifications, he’s a former Automotive Service Excellence and General Motors Master Technician. For 15 years, he has volunteered at Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter.
Calvin is joining the Board in order to give back and provide his unique perspective on shared industry challenges. Moving forward, he sees NTEA becoming an even more important partner as commercial vehicle companies attempt to enhance productivity; achieve sustainable, profitable growth; and remain compliant in an evolving business environment.
Jason Ritchey has spent more than 20 years in the industry, with initial roles as a foreman at JILCO Inc. and a fabricator/laborer at Curry Supply Co. After serving in various management capacities at Curry Supply Co., he was promoted to vice president of sales in 2008 and company president in 2011.
Jason studied business and law for two years at Penn State University; earned a bachelor’s from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; and received a master’s in business administration from St. Francis University. He is a member of Young Presidents’ Organization (Pittsburgh chapter), Chief Executive Network and Penn State Nittany Lion Club.
He sought Board involvement to offer his path-to-market insights and well-rounded business expertise. Jason sees NTEA creating a new approach to engage the younger generation and make them aware of opportunities available in the industry. In addition, he envisions greater emphasis on advanced education, with an innovative curriculum designed to encourage continuous learning.
David J. Scheitlin’s industry career began in 1994 when he joined Auto Truck Group, working on the shop floor and in the engineering department. In 1996, he relocated within the organization, becoming operations manager of Auto Truck Group LLC – Fort Wayne (formerly Fort Wayne Fleet Equipment). Three years later, he helped start Louisville Truck Equipment (now Auto Truck Group LLC – Louisville), while retaining his responsibilities at the Fort Wayne facility. He became part of the company’s Executive Committee in 1999 and is currently general manager of six production locations.
David received a bachelor’s in aeronautical and aerospace engineering and a master’s of science management from Purdue University. He has been part of NTEA’s Young Executives Network (a professional development group now known as Generation Next). His community involvement includes volunteering at Aboite Lutheran Church and managing an adult soccer team.
David wanted to become a Trustee to continue developing relationships with other industry companies and maintain communication on regulations that affect production. He feels NTEA should be at the forefront of government legislation, encouraging compliance as the industry moves toward autonomous driving vehicles and alternative fuel sources.
Newly elected Manufacturer Trustees
In 1994, M. Travis Eby joined the M.H. Eby Inc. sales team. After 17 years of refining his skills and sharpening his management expertise, he became company president — a position he has held for the last six years.
Travis received a bachelor’s in speech communications from Otterbein University and leadership training at BB&T Leadership Institute. He has participated in NTEA’s Young Executives Network (a professional development group now known as Generation Next). From 2004–2009, he was on the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers Board of Directors, serving as president in 2008. He has been on the CrossNet Ministries Board of Directors since 2012.
He wanted to join the Board to contribute his insights gained from experience with business, industry associations, and nonprofits and share his passion for delivering custom products. With interruptive technologies (such as additive manufacturing, autonomous vehicles and drones) gaining significance, he envisions NTEA partnering closely with vehicle innovators (especially chassis manufacturers) to anticipate how changes will reshape the industry. In addition, he recognizes the importance of connecting with the needs and behaviors of tech-savvy millennials who will soon become company and industry leaders.
Sean Moran spent five years in the tire industry and four years in traffic safety before joining Iowa Mold Tooling Co. Inc. as business development manager. Three years later, he began leading sales and marketing efforts at Stellar Industries Inc.
He earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering technology at University of Pittsburgh and a master’s in business administration at University of Delaware. Sean is currently on NTEA’s Data Committee. His community engagement includes working with a local soccer club to mentor and develop youth referees; volunteering on a church building committee to design, fund and build a major addition; and serving as Grand Knight for the local Knights of Columbus Council.
Sean sought Board participation in order to give back and share his experience, assisting NTEA’s mission of furthering the knowledge, growth and profitability of the industry. From his perspective, NTEA should concentrate on education, technical support and government affairs — particularly as technology continues to accelerate.
A complete list of Board members is available at ntea.com/board.