Each week, trucknews.com lists notable events, promotions and awards in the trucking industry.

This week, The Transport Project (TTP) appointed Katie Vassalli as director of regulatory affairs, and Tom Vatter was promoted to vice president of Mack truck and medium-duty sales at M&K Truck Centers. Samsara released its second annual 100 Fleet Operators to Watch list, naming some of the transportation executives from Pilot Travel Centers, J.B. Hunt Transport, UPS, Loblaw, Sobeys, PepsiCo, and more.

TTP names Vassalli director of regulatory affairs

The Transport Project has appointed Katie Vassalli as director of regulatory affairs.

In her new role, Vassalli will lead The Transport Project’s federal and state regulatory policy, compliance, and oversight operations, focusing on advancing pro-natural gas and hydrogen motor fuel policies in Washington and state capitols with specific focus on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Departments of Energy, Transportation, and Agriculture.

Vassalli previously held senior regulatory and policy roles with the National Oilseed Processors Association and the International Liquid Terminals Association. TTP says she brings experience in regulatory analysis, stakeholder engagement and member education programming to the renewable natural gas (RNG) trucking and fueling sector.

M&K Truck Centers promotes Vatter to vice president of Mack sales

Byron Center, Mich.-based M&K Truck Centers has promoted Tom Vatter to vice president of Mack truck and medium-duty sales.

Vatter joined M&K in March 2020 and has held several leadership roles in the company over the past six years. The company cited his performance, industry knowledge and leadership experience as key factors behind the promotion.

He brings 34 years of experience in heavy-duty truck and body sales. In his new role, Vatter will oversee M&K’s Mack and medium-duty sales teams as the dealership group continues to expand its presence in the new truck market.

“Tom’s experience in sales leadership aligns perfectly with our strategic plans for growth in the new truck market,” said Anthony Gargano, senior vice president of sales. “We are confident his leadership will further strengthen our position and drive continued success.”

Samsara names Top 100 Fleet Operators to Watch

Samsara has released its second annual 100 Fleet Operators to Watch list, recognizing leaders using technology to address operational challenges across transportation, construction, public sector, field services and aviation.

The company says the list highlights fleet professionals navigating rising costs, workforce pressures and increasingly complex compliance and safety demands.

Wayne Scott, senior director of transport maintenance at Loblaw, said: “We’re proud to be recognized by Samsara as part of a group defining modern fleet operations. By leveraging real-time visibility, Connected Workflows, and AI-powered insights, we’re making our transportation network safer, more compliant, and more efficient every day — while better supporting our drivers and the communities we serve. Our paramount commitment is to the well-being of our drivers, ensuring they return home safely to their families every single night.”

Among other transportation and trucking leaders recognized on Samsara’s 2026 100 Fleet Operators to Watch list are: Otis Anderson, safety compliance analyst at Jordan Carriers; Raudel Arriaga, director of logistics at Blue Rhino; Reed Aubin, director of transportation at Sobeys; Rusty Kirby, Rusty Kirby, director of transportation at Pilot Travel Centers.

The list also includes Raphael Worek Cyjon, vice president of strategy and transformation at PepsiCo Global Transportation & Fleet; Steven Roberts, fleet manager at Deseret Transportation; Luke Wake, vice president of fleet maintenance and engineering at UPS; and Greer Woodruff, executive vice president of safety, sustainability and maintenance at J.B. Hunt Transport.

The full list can be viewed here.