NATSO Names Co-Chairs of The Future Leaders Working Group

NATSO has named Corey Berkstresser, General Manager of Lee-Hi Travel Plaza in Lexington, Va., and Gerald Danniel, Chief Operating Officer of Liberty Petroleum Distributors in New Milford, Pa., as co-chairmen of its Future Leaders Working Group.

The working group provides networking opportunities and education to anyone who has or is pursuing more responsibility within the truckstop and travel plaza industry.

“You don’t have to be a 20-something or 30-something. You can be a 50-something and be ready to take more of a leadership role in the industry,” Berkstresser said, adding that the committee is encouraging more operators to join.

The group gives members a forum to discuss their questions and connects them with their peers. “I’ve met a lot more people because of the group, and I’ve gotten more engaged,” Berkstresser said.

Danniel encourages other members to get involved and take advantage of the discussions that occur during conference calls, social gatherings and The NATSO Show. “You have the ability to reach out to other future leaders as free consultants,” he said. “Sometimes you know the answer, but need some validation that it has worked in the past, and you can get it here.”

This year, the Future Leaders Working Group will focus on growing the group and creating its long-term strategic mission. Truckstop and travel plaza operators interested in joining the committee should reach out to Darren Schulte, vice president of membership at NATSO, at dschulte@natso.com.

The Future Leaders program is sponsored by Valvoline.