WOMEN TO WATCH
2016

SHANNON NEWTON

PRESIDENT
ARKANSAS TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

I was named president of the Arkansas Trucking Association in June 2014, after working at ATA since 2003 and serving as vice president from 2008-2014. My roles and responsibilities in association management include development and implementation of initiatives across planning, finance, member services, regulatory and legislative affairs and industry advocacy. Members of the Arkansas Trucking Association include some of the nation’s largest trucking companies and private fleets like J.B. Hunt Transport, FedEx Freight, Walmart Transportation, USA Truck, as well as hundreds of other trucking companies and suppliers throughout the state.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB:

I love to win. Whether it be persuading policymakers or landing a new member, I enjoy it. However, my favorite event is our annual celebration of the industry’s safest professional drivers. They remind me why we do what we do.

BIGGEST CHALLENGES OR OBSTACLES YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER:

In order for me to be at my best, at home and at work, I need to delegate and depend upon those around me. Surrounding myself with excellent teammates makes this easier, but I still struggle sometimes with letting go.

HOW YOU DEFINE SUCCESS:

I am competitive, so my initial thought is success is winning. But that’s not always true. More accurately, success is the self-satisfaction of knowing you did your best, which yielded the best outcome you are capable of.

BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR:

In June 2014, I had invested over a decade into an organization and industry that I came to love. It was such an honor when I learned I would be given the opportunity to represent both as president of ATA.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

My role model is my late grandmother, Ruth Samples. She was the smartest woman I have ever known. She was sharp, but kind. She read the paper every day and could carry a conversation on anything from fashion to politics.

BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED:

Always do your best. This leaves no room for second-guessing.

I WISH I KNEW HOW TO:

I wish I knew how to sing. I LOVE to sing. I pretend I can every afternoon in my car, but it’s not pretty.

ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF:

Don’t be afraid to be you! Establishing your own goals is more important than fulfilling others’ expectations. There are so many options and opportunities outside of your pre-conceived notions. Things aren’t going to go as planned and that is ok.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Bryant

HOMETOWN:

Benton

LAST GOOD READ:

“Strengths Finder 2.0”

FAVORITE FOOD:

Macaroni & cheese

FAVORITE LUNCH SPOT:

The Fold

FIRST THING YOU DO AT THE OFFICE:

Check my calendar

LATEST SPLURGE:

My Ted Baker dress for this photo shoot!

THINGS YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK:

I’ve recently gotten into the coloring books for adults, and I run or dance for exercise

DREAM VACATION:

The Amalfi Coast

FAVORITE SONG:

I love music. My favorite song changes every week

SPONSORS