Jo-Anne Phillips: A Multifaceted Leader in Trucking
Jo-Anne Phillips is an exceptionally busy individual, serving as the Chief Operating Officer of a trucking company and co-owning a range of businesses, including a construction facility and a chrome detailing shop. Additionally, she operates a nutritional consulting and lifestyle coaching service. In recognition of her contributions, she was named the Women in Trucking (WIT) Member of the Month in June 2019.
Phillips, who has been a WIT member for several years, expressed her pride in receiving the award. “It means a great deal to me,” she told The Trucker. “I’ve met many influential leaders during my time at WIT, and I’m thrilled to be among such accomplished women.”
From Driving to Leadership
Based in Irishtown, New Brunswick, Phillips learned the trucking industry primarily through hands-on experience. While pursuing her university education and staying active in sports, she began driving trucks at summer fairs for friends. This led her to become a driver, instructor, safety officer, and medic within Alberta’s oil fields, a role she held for six years.
The Importance of Health Education
With degrees in kinesiology, exercise physiology, and dietetics, Phillips emphasizes physical fitness in her life, sharing her expertise with numerous sports and charity organizations. She aims to tackle the obesity epidemic in North America by advocating for earlier health education among the public, rather than waiting until individuals face serious health issues.
Advocating for Health in Trucking
Phillips sees potential improvements in the trucking industry regarding nutrition at truck stops, criticizing the current lack of healthy food options. She believes truck stop offerings should include nutritious choices alongside junk food. Additionally, she serves on the Advisory Board for Prostate Cancer Canada and is involved in the Convoy of Hope – Atlantic, which raises funds for various cancers.
Environmental Responsibility and Community Engagement
In her approach to leadership, Phillips is committed to environmental stewardship. At Jeramand Trucking, she ensures the fleet consists of eco-friendly trucks that help clean the air. She believes that everyone should do their part to protect the environment and takes pride in minimizing waste in her operations.
A Source of Inspiration for Women in Trucking
Phillips feels honored to represent women in the industry, noting the importance of their contributions to creating a more balanced environment. She advocates for improvements like dedicated truck lanes to enhance safety on the roads and believes more education is necessary for the public to ensure safer interactions with trucks. Her driving force is to constantly improve the world around her and leave a positive mark on the trucking industry she cherishes.
