Each year, the Women in Trucking Association (WIT) recognizes the top workplaces for women in the transportation industry. Leonard’s Express has made the list the past two years for our long-standing commitment to creating a positive work environment for women. Promoting gender diversity in the workplace is in the company’s DNA—it’s a core value that can be traced back to the beginning, when Leonard’s Express was co-founded by Patricia “Pat” Johnson.
Although Johnson retired in 1994, she continues to leave her mark on the company’s culture. In 2019, a group of employees formed the Women in Trucking committee at Leonard’s Express and created the Pat Johnson Award in honor of Johnson’s many contributions to the industry and to celebrate the women who are now leading Leonard’s into a new era.
Nominees for the Pat Johnson Award must have great integrity, excellent leadership skills, and must make significant contributions to the trucking industry, embodying some of Johnson’s most outstanding attributes. Leonard’s Express Accounts Payable Manager Michelle Adriaansen won the 2023 Pat Johnson Award, becoming the 5th winner of the annual award. Adriaansen was nominated by her peers for attributes including her strong commitment to family values, rock-solid integrity, and an unparalleled work ethic. Affectionately known as the “work mom,” Adriaansen was also recognized for her meticulous attention to detail and incredible dedication to Leonard’s Express.
The Pat Johnson Award brings out the best in everyone at Leonard’s Express. There’s a genuine air of compassion for one another at Leonard’s and we see it on full display every year in the award submissions. Our employees take pride in the success of their fellow team members and show their support by submitting amazingly detailed nominations.
Leonard’s Express hosts a special Pat Johnson Award ceremony each year to celebrate the winner and present a commemorative plaque. As part of the ceremony, Johnson gives remarks acknowledging the accomplishments of women within the company and across the industry.
Below is a list of past winners, including this year’s award recipient:
- 2019: Connie Johnson – Pricing Manager, Farmington, New York
- 2020: Katie Griffin – Director of Fleet Safety, Farmington, New York
- 2021: Misti Dodge – Driver Advocate, Caldwell, Idaho
- 2022: Kara Bourn – Office Manager, Caldwell, Idaho
- 2023: Michelle Adriaansen – Accounts Payable Manager, Farmington, New York
Congratulations to all who have won this prestigious award. We look forward to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion and honoring women in the workplace for many years to come.
