WAUPACA, Wis. After helping Trucker Buddy International achieve tremendous growth and success as one of the top charitable organizations in the trucking industry, executive director, Ellen Voie is stepping down.

Voie will now be leading the retention efforts of Schneider National in Green Bay, Wis.

Ellen served as executive director since January 2000 when she succeeded the program’s founder, Gary King.

“Ellen has done an excellent job of advancing the mission of the organization and has made great strides in managing the program in a very positive manner, said Greg Shipman, vice president of Trucker Buddy board of directors. “Ellen will be greatly missed and we wish her every success.”

“I have always had a passion for the big hearted drivers who take time to write to young children,” Voie said. “These men and women can’t imagine the lasting impact they make on the students who adore them until they receive their first pack of letters. I will miss the dedication of the drivers and can’t describe how many friends I have made as executive director of Trucker Buddy International.”

Don Nehring, president of the Trucker Buddy board of directors, said he’s looking to fill Voie’s position with someone as dedicated to the industry as she was.

“Ellen has left big shoes to fill and she will be missed by all of us here at Trucker Buddy, but with new leadership and the industry improving we expect the next era to be even better.”

The board of directors will be accepting applications from interested candidates who may send their resume to board@truckerbuddy.org.