Carlton Retires as CEO of NITL; Hedrick Is Replacement

CEO Bruce Carlton, who has headed The National Industrial Transportation League for eight years retired as of March 1 and will be replaced by Jennifer Hedrick in the role of executive director, the trade group announced.

Carlton joined NITL after retiring from the Department of Transportation, where he was assistant administrator of the Maritime Administration. Hedrick, who will focus on advocacy and program development, has more than 15 years of trade association management experience. She is an official at MCI USA, an international association management company. She was executive director of the Pellet Fuels Institute before joining MCI.

The changes at the 109-year old freight transport trade association were announced by Doug Kratzberg, the group’s chairman and an Exxon Mobil transportation executive. NITL has contracted with MCI USA to manage the association’s activities.

“We believe MCI USA is the perfect choice to enhance NITL’s programs, services and impact,” Kratzberg said in a statement.

Kratzberg said he and Carlton “both wanted a smooth and orderly transition, and our decision to team with MCI USA made this the right moment for him and the League."

"Bruce has been enormously effective as our public voice on virtually every key issue in rail, truck and ocean transportation," Kratzberg said. "We know we will soon be losing one of the most respected persons in Washington’s transportation community.”

Carlton is retaining a connection with NITL, serving as a consultant during the transition to MCI’s management.

“It’s been an extraordinary privilege to serve the League and to work on behalf of so many talented people,” Carlton said in the statement.