Saltchuk Logistics’ Chief Operating Officer Krista Williams has been appointed the new CEO of Alaska trucking and logistics firm Carlile, the company announced Oct. 13.
Williams takes the helm of a company created in 1980 that has terminal operations in Alaska, Washington, Texas and Canada, as well as more than 390 employees.
Williams is expected to work alongside Carlile’s president since 2015, Terry Howard, who plans to stay with the company through the rest of the year.
Howard’s steadfast leadership has helped guide the company through many challenges in recent years, Williams said.
“His commitment to our employees and to the safety and success of our operations leaves a legacy of respect, teamwork and commitment to the Carlile brand,” she said.
Before arriving at Saltchuk (Carlile’s parent company) in 2018, Williams worked on continuous improvement and strategic programs at Toyota, Kaiser Permanente and Whirlpool.
She has a mechanical engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a master’s degree from Seattle University.
Williams, who worked with Carlile executives in gearing up the company for future opportunities for the past two years, is expected to guide Carlile as it prepares to handle heightened demand for transportation and logistics services in and beyond Alaska.
“In the coming years, we see tremendous growth opportunities in natural resource development, retail, government and other sectors of Alaska’s economy,” Williams said. “I look forward to building on the company’s success in future years. This is an exciting and promising time for transportation companies in Alaska.”
