J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
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Transportation Transitions: New leadership for Prime, AVIA, and J. J. Keller

Jan. 12, 2024
Prime Inc., Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, and J. J. Keller & Associates recently welcomed new leadership.

Prime Inc. announces new president

Prime Inc.’s founder and CEO, Robert Low, recently announced that Darrel Hopkins will assume the role of president. Low will remain CEO of Prime Inc.

Darrel Hopkins joined Prime in December 1994. His primary function was the management and expansion of Success Leasing Inc. Hopkins oversaw the delivery of trucks to Success Leasing and the leasing of each truck to operators. He was also the company’s controller, responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. Hopkins received his MBA from the University of Kansas and is a certified public accountant. 

As president of Prime Inc., Hopkins will oversee the administration of Prime Inc. and some of the company’s ancillary businesses. Robert Low will oversee all trucking operations.

Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association announces new chair for board of directors

Melissa Wade with Aurora Innovation Inc. will serve as the chair of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association’s Board of Directors. 

"Serving as board chair feels like a full circle moment after nearly a decade working on autonomous vehicle policy,” Wade said. “I'm honored to have the support of AVIA's members, and I look forward to sharing the benefits of autonomous vehicles with new audiences as we advocate for safer roads and a stronger supply chain."

AVIA is the voice of the autonomous vehicle industry, working with lawmakers, regulators, and the public to realize the technology’s safety, mobility, and economic benefits. As chair, Wade will play a pivotal role in advancing AVIA’s cross-industry goals of increased road safety, enhanced accessibility, and optimized supply chains.

“Melissa is a widely respected leader in the autonomous vehicle industry and brings incredible enthusiasm for AVs and the many benefits they will bring,” said Jeff Farrah, CEO of AVIA. “Melissa’s deep experience in transportation policy will be critical in advancing public policy to realize the vision of autonomous vehicles.”

See also: Transportation Transitions: Execs promoted at J. J. Keller, Paccar, Aim Transportation

Ken Sherman joins J. J. Keller & Associates as VP of software engineering

J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. recently announced that Ken Sherman has joined the company as VP of software engineering for its technology solutions division. He will lead a team of more than 130 development and quality assurance professionals in the technical design and development of J. J. Keller’s software solutions and connected devices line.

“We’re excited to add Ken to this growing team as we continue to expand our technology footprint,” said Lacie Callan, executive VP of technology solutions for J. J. Keller. “Technology solutions are increasingly used by our clients to keep workers safe and ensure respectful workplaces. These solutions are critical to our purpose as a company.”

Sherman has extensive experience leading and building software engineering teams, with technical experience spanning cloud-based software platforms, mobile, video, AI, and telematics.

About the Author

FleetOwner Staff

Our Editorial Team

Kevin Jones, Editorial Director, Commercial Vehicle Group

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