Dean Croke, Principal Analyst

DAT Freight & Analytics

Dean Croke is the Principal Analyst for DAT iQ, the freight data and analytics operation at DAT. He brings 35 years of experience in the fields of data science, supply chain management, logistics, risk management and human performance.

Prior to joining DAT Solutions, Dean was Chief Insight Officer at FreightWaves where he led the freight market intelligence team of Market Experts. Prior to that he was Vice President of Data Products at Spireon where he helped develop new telematics data products in the trucking, passenger automotive and insurance markets. Dean also ran Lancer’s long-haul truck insurance business after spending many years as Vice President of Omnitracs Analytics (formerly Qualcomm) where he developed Data Science technologies including machine learning, complex business rules engines and data analytics for transportation companies.

Brad Delco, Senior Vice President of Finance

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

Brad Delco is the Senior Vice President of Finance for J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Prior to joining J.B. Hunt, Brad spent 14 years at privately held financial services firm Stephens Inc., with experience working in both corporate finance and equity research roles.

Currently, he is responsible for the oversight and management of all investor relations activities for the company. He also leads the company’s corporate development, financial planning and analysis efforts and is active in Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives. In addition, Brad oversees ELEVATION, J.B. Hunt’s initiative to find, foster and follow employee-submitted ideas to make the company a better organization.

During his time with J.B. Hunt, the company has received several national recognitions, including being recognized as a Top 75 Green Supply Chain Partner (G75) by Inbound Logistics, one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes and named to the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list. J.B. Hunt has been consecutively recognized on the Fortune 500 list since 2013. In 2024, Brad was named Best Investor Relations Officer in the mid-cap category by IR Magazine.  

A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brad holds a bachelor’s degree in business. 

Tim Denoyer, VP & Sr. Analyst

ACT Research

Tim joined ACT in August 2017, after spending fifteen years in equity research focused primarily on the transportation, machinery and automotive industries.

In addition to his roles analyzing commercial vehicle demand and alternative powertrain development (i.e. electrification), Tim is the lead analyst in ACT’s transportation research effort and the primary author of the ACT Freight Forecast, U.S. Rate and Volume Outlook. This report provides supply chain professionals with better visibility on the future of pricing and volume in trucking, the core of the $800 billion U.S. freight transportation industry, including truckload, less-than-truckload and intermodal/drayage.

This service leverages ACT’s expertise in the supply side economics of transportation and draws upon Tim’s background as an investment analyst. Tim was a co-founder of Wolfe Research, one of the leading equity research firms in the investment industry. While with Wolfe, Tim was recognized in Institutional Investor’s survey of investors as a Rising Star analyst in both the machinery and auto sectors.

His investment experience also includes responsibility for covering the industrial sector of the equity markets, most prominently with leading hedge fund Balyasny Asset Management.

Diane Hames, VP, Commercial Strategy

Navistar, Inc.

Diane Hames is Vice President of Commercial Strategy of Navistar, Inc., leading Market Planning, Product Marketing, Strategic Pricing, and Market Intelligence for International Truck and IC Bus.

Hames previously was General Manager, Marketing and Strategy, overseeing new business initiatives, market development, and brand strategy for Daimler Truck North America (DTNA). She also managed marketing communication, marketing planning, vehicle pricing, and promotion activities for DTNA.

Hames began her career at DTNA in 1994 as a sales coordinator in the Customer Support Division. After holding management positions in sales, audit, and finance, she became Chief Financial Officer at Daimler Commercial Vehicles Mexico (DCVM) in 2006. Within months, she was promoted to President and CEO of DCVM with responsibility for Mexico and Latin American activities.

Hames earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Business Administration and Management from Portland State University and was previously certified as a public accountant in Oregon.

Sean Kenney, CEO

Hyundai Translead

Sean Kenney, Hyundai Translead’s CEO, has over a decade of leadership experience in the industry having previously worked for Wabash National and as Hyundai Translead’s Chief Sales Officer prior to being appointed to his current role in 2023. Mr. Kenney holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Ron Long, President & CEO

Premier Truck Group

As President of Premier Truck Group, Ron has oversight for all North American commercial truck dealership operations for parent company, Penske Automotive Group.  Mr. Long has a proven track record of strong customer relationships and the development of high performing teams.  His extensive experience and expertise in the commercial vehicle market with roles in new truck sales, used truck sales and acquisitions, continuous improvement and pricing with both the manufacturer and dealer network provides the perfect foundation to lead the Premier Truck Group’s network of dealerships. A big believer in putting customers first, Ron supports the entire Premier Truck Group team in providing customer specific solutions and support.

Ron Long holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. 

Before joining Premier Truck Group in 2017, Ron worked for 20 years for several organizations in the heavy truck industry.  Ron is no stranger to truck sales, having spent 11 years as a retail truck salesperson working with on-highway and vocational customers selling new and used trucks. This was followed by over 9 years at Daimler Trucks North America where held a variety of roles aimed at increasing sales of Freightliner Trucks. These roles included responsibility for fleet transaction pricing, used truck valuation and acquisition operations, project management, and field sales helping DTNA grow to over 40% market share in North America.

Ron has been married for 24 years to his wife, Brooke, and they have a 21-year-old son attending Texas Tech and an 19-year-old daughter that will be a freshman at the University of Wisconsin this year.

To contact Ron, please email rlong@premiertruck.com or go to PremierTruck.com.

Jim Meil, Principal, Industry Analysis

ACT Research

Jim joined ACT in June 2014. He is well known in the commercial vehicle industry and the broader transportation community for his analytics, his insights, and imaginative, yet down-to-earth management presentations.

Jim previously was Vice President and Chief Economist with Eaton, a position he held since 1996. He retired from Eaton after a 29-year career there, serving various roles in planning, treasury, and economics functions. Prior to joining Eaton, Jim had held consulting and management positions with Chase Econometrics and with Burroughs Corporation.

Jim holds an MBA in finance and a BA (honors) in economics from the University of Chicago. He has served on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Business Economics and has won recognition from both the Wall Street Journal and USA Today for top economic outlook from their respective panels of 50 economics forecasters.

Ian McGriff, VP of Marketing, Business Development

ACT Research

After graduating from Wabash College in 2006, Ian spent 8 years in the fitness industry as the head trainer at a Columbus-area fitness center. He then transitioned to a digital marketing agency where he spent 4 years as the Director of Digital Marketing Sales.

In this role, Ian leverages years of experience in marketing, business development and technology to provide high-level strategic growth and lead new initiatives.

Ian is married and has two daughters who, fortunately, take after their mother.

Jennifer McNealy, Director, Research Analysis and Publications

ACT Research

Jennifer currently serves as ACT’s Director, CV Market Research and Publications. In this role, she coordinates monthly and quarterly publication production and distribution, serves as media liaison, and researches/analyzes the Canadian macroeconomic and alternative fuel adoption in North American CV markets.

She joined ACT Research in September 2011, and has served in numerous roles, including Office Manager, Research Analyst, and Senior Research Manager and Analyst.

Getting an advanced degree was always a goal for her and in 2000, Jennifer earned her M.S.M. from Indiana Wesleyan University, taking evening classes to make this dream a reality. After receiving her B.A. from Hanover College in Communication and History, Jennifer began an eight-year career in the travel and tourism industry. Additionally, she spent 13 years as a member of the local and regional media industry, where she worked in both print and radio formats, serving as a radio broadcaster, community/local government news reporter, and special programming producer. After serving in various roles, including new technology graphic designer and pre-press technician, she concluded her work in print media as Graphic Design Department Manager for a regional Indiana newspaper.

Ann Rundle, VP, Electrification & Autonomy

ACT Research

Ann Rundle’s career has been focused in the transportation industries, since her early years as an engineer in the marine industry. Rundle transitioned to Strategic Planning and Business Development roles in Automotive and Commercial Vehicles after completing her MBA. Ann was with Eaton Corporation for 20-years, with senior leadership roles as Director of Business Development for the Automotive group, and Global Customer Sales Director for General Motors and FIAT group (including IVECO, CNH & Ferrari). Rundle left Eaton to join a small R&D start-up focused on advanced Li-ion battery technologies, and from there transitioned into independent consulting projects focused on developing growth strategies for new technologies, primarily in industrial and commercial vehicle markets. Most recently, Ann was with FIAT-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and headed up their global Strategy & Planning for electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric, and fuel cell vehicles for both automotive and commercial vehicle applications.

Rundle holds a BSE in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from University of Michigan and an MBA from San Diego State University. Ann is a Director/Trustee of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation and leads their After-school Education programs and the Grants & Scholarships committee.

Sherry Sanger, EVP of Strategy and Marketing

Penske

Sherry Sanger is Executive Vice President of Marketing for Penske Transportation Solutions, a $13 billion leader in transportation and logistics, whose businesses include Penske Truck Leasing, Penske Logistics, Epes Transport Systems, and Penske Vehicle Services.

She leads Penske Transportation Solutions’ global strategy and marketing function including its efforts around connected, autonomous, shared, and electric vehicles; market intelligence; customer experience; and digital product development.
Sanger joined the Penske organization in 1998. She has held numerous leadership positions including Senior Vice President of Marketing, Vice President of Marketing, Director of Marketing, and New Products Introduction Manager. Sanger began her career with General Electric’s Lighting and Capital divisions in their financial management program. While with GE she worked in financial, cost and marketing roles in the U.S. and Germany.

Sanger holds a bachelor’s degree in German from Kent State University, a master’s degree in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, an MBA from Case Western Reserve University, and a Ph.D. in management from Case Western Reserve University. Her research areas of interest include understanding how leaders can enhance openness to embracing new ideas and how leaders can drive and encourage innovative thinking within their organizations. She resides in Sinking Spring, Pa., with her husband and their two children.

Shaun Skinner, President

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Canada

Shaun Skinner is the President and CEO of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Canada, where he leads the company's efforts in delivering reliable and innovative commercial vehicles across North America. Skinner is a strong sales professional skilled in negotiation, operations management, sales, management, and fleet management. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and is actively involved in various industry associations.

David Spencer, EVP of Strategy and Marketing

Arrive Logistics

David Spencer's work experience begins with their role as a Logistics Business Intelligence Analyst at AFN from October 2011 to April 2016. David then moved up to become the Manager of Business Intelligence & Data Science at AFN from April 2016 to June 2017. David further advanced to the position of Senior Manager Business Intelligence at AFN from July 2017 to September 2017.

In 2017, David joined Arrive Logistics as the Director of Business Intelligence from October 2017 to January 2023. David then transitioned to the role of VP Market Intelligence at Arrive Logistics from January 2023, where they are currently employed.

Overall, David has extensive experience in the field of business intelligence and data analysis within the logistics industry, progressing through various managerial positions throughout their career.

David Spencer obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where they studied from 2005 to 2010.

Steve Tam, VP, Analyst

ACT Research

As Vice President at ACT Research, Steve Tam is one of two principal commercial vehicle market analysts. Since being promoted to his current position in October 2008, he was appointed to the Board of Directors and became a Managing Member of ACT Research in September 2016. He also leads the used truck market efforts for ACT. Other responsibilities include project and database management; and collection, analysis, and reporting of specialty data series. In addition to being frequently sought after as a guest speaker at industry events and giving presentations to private companies, you will often see him quoted in industry publications, newspapers and business periodicals.

A graduate of Indiana University, Steve has also served in the military and spent time in various accounting positions at two Fortune 500 companies before joining ACT Research in 2000. He has been involved in the commercial vehicle industry since 1993 and has been vital to the growth of ACT Research over the years.

David Teolis, Chief Economist

ACT Research

David Teolis, joined ACT Research in the position of Chief Economist in October 2023 following a 28-year career with General Motors as Deputy Chief Economist, International Markets, FX & Commodities.

In his most recent role, he was responsible for providing economic analyses, forecasting long-term new vehicle sales, and conducting special studies for the economies of South America, Africa, Middle East, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. David was also responsible for managing the company’s foreign exchange rate forecast process and writing monthly and quarterly reports. Prior to this role, David served for five years as the Manager of European Economic and Industry Forecasting located at the Adam Opel Headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany. He joined General Motors in 1995 as an economist with primary responsibility for economic and industry forecasting for Mexico, and subsequently worked in several finance positions within the company before returning to the economics staff as the Senior Economist for North America.

Prior to joining General Motors, David was the recipient of the Herman Kahn Fellowship in International Political Economy from the Hudson Institute where he worked on issues related to NAFTA and telecommunications deregulation. He is a two-time recipient of the Best Overall Economic Forecast Award from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

David graduated with a B.A. in economics, with distinction, and an M.S. in finance from the University of Illinois. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from Indiana University.

He is past-President of the Detroit Association for Business Economics and previously served on the Board of Directors for Global Ties Detroit and the German-American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest - Michigan Chapter. He is a member of the National Association for Business Economics, the International Institute of Forecasters, and the American Economic Association.

Kenny Vieth, President & Sr. Analyst

ACT Research

After graduating from Southern Illinois University, Vieth spent six years in city government and education before joining ACT Research in 1991. Vieth became a partner in 2000 and was named President in 2010. Kenny oversees commercial vehicle analysis and forecasting at ACT. In his capacity as the principal heavy vehicle market analyst, Vieth has become an advisor to OEMs, suppliers, Wall Street, and the Federal Reserve, for whom he is a frequent contributor to the Beige Book report.

Consulting Economist to the National Private Truck Council 2012 (selected position)

Chicago Federal Reserve’s Annual Automotive Outlook Symposium Consensus Forecast Top Forecaster 2014

Interested in having Kenny speak with your organization? Check out some examples of Kenny speaking.

Lydia Vieth, Research Analyst, Electrification & Autonomy

ACT Research

Lydia joined ACT in June 2021 as a Research Analyst, focusing on electrification and autonomy.

Prior to joining ACT, she spent time as a paralegal before working at an energy management SaaS company. Her graduate school research focused on energy policy and battery arbitrage opportunity in the midwest power markets.

Lydia holds a B.A. in Political Science and M.S. in Global Affairs with a concentration on energy and environmental policy from New York University. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.