A woman lawyer is the recipient of a major transportation award.
The Women In Trucking Association, Truckstop and Transportation Intermediaries Association Thursday announced Martha Payne, transportation attorney at Benesch, is the winner of the annual Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award.
Payne’s career spans over four decades. As one of the few women in the transportation and logistics field early in her career, she broke barriers and overcame significant challenges, exemplifying perseverance and determination, according to a statement from organizers.
“Martha’s career is a shining example of leadership, dedication, and a commitment to making the logistics industry a better place for everyone, especially women,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “We are proud to honor her with this prestigious award.”
Payne is recognized not only for her legal acumen but also for her mentorship and advocacy for diversity. A long-time member of both WIT and TIA, she has served on various committees in both organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the industry through the professionals she has mentored and inspired.
“TIA is proud to sponsor the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award, recognizing the outstanding contributions of women who shape the transportation and logistics industry," said Chris Burroughs, president and CEO of TIA. "This year, we celebrate Martha Payne, whose dedication, expertise, and leadership have left a lasting mark, not only at Benesch, but across the entire industry."
With extensive experience in cargo liability, risk management, and supply chain management, Payne has worked with U.S. carriers, third-party logistics companies, and shippers and served on the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade’s Sub-Committee on Uniform Liability Regime.
“Martha knows our industry and is sought after for her balanced, thoughtful, and succinct counsel," said Ambyr O’Donnell, chief legal officer for Truckstop. "She has made an extraordinary impact on the transportation and logistics industry by combining her legal expertise, business acumen and practical solutions.We are honored to recognize her with this prestigious award."
Benesch is an engineering and legal services firm, with a focus on infrastructure, transportation, and legal matters. Its headquarters are in Chicago.
The other finalists for the award include Peggy Mecca, president and CEO of Mecca and Son Trucking, and Sharon Johnson, chief legal officer, chief compliance officer, and corporate secretary at MODE Global.
All three women were recognized during the TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition.
