Patrick McLean named chief marketing officer of Love’s
Love’s Travel Stops named Patrick McLean as the company’s first-ever chief marketing officer. He will be responsible for aligning Love’s marketing efforts with its core values and priorities to drive customer acquisition and retention while continuing to enhance the overall customer experience. He will report to Love’s president and lead nearly 300 team members in the marketing and customer experience departments.
McLean succeeds Dave Frankenfield, VP of marketing, who announced his intent to retire after 28 years of service. Frankenfield will remain with Love’s through the end of 2025 to assist with a smooth transition.
“We are thrilled to use our iconic travel stop greeting to say, ‘Welcome to Love’s, Patrick,’” Shane Wharton, president of Love’s, said. “Patrick’s B2B and B2C experience in multiple industries, and with some of the largest and most successful retail brands in the world, stood out to us as we searched for a leader who could take our efforts to the next level and fit into our award-winning culture. We look forward to having such a respected senior marketing and digital executive as Patrick evolve our growing marketing organization that spans all channels and customer touchpoints.”
With more than 30 years of experience, McLean’s recent roles include serving as the Walgreens Company’s SVP and CMO, where he oversaw the launch of the "My Walgreens" customer engagement and loyalty platform. Before that, he was with TD Bank as its EVP, CMO, and head of corporate and public affairs.
“I’m extremely honored and excited to be selected as Love’s first-ever chief marketing officer,” McLean said. “Strategic investments in marketing and customer experience will elevate this already strong brand and unlock further growth for the business.”
St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund names Courtney Niemann as new executive director
The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund recently named Courtney Niemann as its new executive director. Niemann replaces former Executive Director Donna Kennedy, who stepped down on May 5, 2025, and assumed the role of lead strategic adviser.
Niemann brings more than 25 years of experience in the public health field. She is an accomplished community health specialist and nonprofit leader with a track record of driving impactful programs, securing funding, and leading teams.
“I am so excited to announce that Courtney Niemann has become the SCF’s new executive director,” Donna Kennedy, SCF’s lead strategic adviser and former executive director, said. “I have known Courtney for over 10 years. Her heart for nonprofit work and health prevention made her the perfect candidate to lead the St. Christopher Fund.”
Niemann has expertise in community organizing, health advocacy, nonprofit management, and strategic planning. Her experience in developing and implementing initiatives that improve community well-being, enhancing partnerships, and ensuring sustainable growth will be of great value to the St. Christopher Fund and the drivers it serves.
“Guided by a lifelong commitment to prevention, I have dedicated my career to advancing health equity and community well-being, said Niemann. “I’m excited to join the St. Christopher Truckers Fund and look forward to collaborating with the team to further its mission.”
See also: Kodiak Robotics announces public listing through merger with Ares Acquisition Corporation II
Endeavor Business Media announces promotion of Chris Messer to EVP of Transportation, Fleet, and Trailer Group
Endeavor Business Media recently promoted Chris Messer to EVP of Endeavor’s Transportation, Fleet, and Trailer Group.
Messer has served as market leader for the Vehicle Service and Repair Group with success, earning recognition as the 2024 EBBIE Award winner for Market Leader of the Year. With more than 18 years of experience in the automotive industry, Messer brings expertise, vision, and a passion for innovation to his leadership.
“Chris has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, a deep understanding of the automotive market, and a commitment to delivering value to our audiences and partners. His strategic approach and proven track record make him the ideal leader to take on this expanded role,” Paul Andrews, CRO of Endeavor Business Media, said. “We’re excited to see the continued growth and innovation he will bring to both the Vehicle Service and Repair Group and the Fleet and Trailer Group.”
In his expanded role, Messer will lead efforts to further strengthen Endeavor’s position across the vehicle, fleet, and trailer markets, building on the momentum and achievements of his current team.
“The transportation industry is a vital part of our economy. I’m excited for the opportunity to make an even bigger impact, influencing positive innovation and advancements for the future,” Messer said. “Despite all the technology and tools, this is still a people-driven industry where relationships are a critical component to moving business forward. The people are the best part of the business, and our Endeavor Transportation Group colleagues are the finest in the industry. I truly enjoy working with them on the front line every day to make a difference in the lives of all industry constituents.”
Kodiak appoints two new board members in preparation for public listing
Kodiak Robotics recently appointed two new members to its board of directors as it prepares to become a publicly listed company via business combination with Ares Acquisition Corporation II. The appointments add experience in public company financial and technology leadership. Joining the Kodiak Board of Directors effective immediately are:
- Ken Goldman: Goldman is a financial executive with over four decades of leadership experience in public and private companies. He most recently served as president of Hillspire, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s integrated family office. Goldman also formerly served as CFO for a range of companies, including Yahoo!, Siebel Systems (acquired by Oracle), Fortinet, and Sybase (acquired by SAP), among others. He currently serves on the boards of multiple companies, including RingCentral and Fortinet.
- Kristin Sverchek: Sverchek was an early employee at rideshare platform company Lyft, joining as the company’s first general counsel in 2012. Over her 12-year tenure, she held multiple leadership roles, including president of business affairs, before being named president of Lyft in 2023. During her time at Lyft, Sverchek played a role in guiding the company through its IPO while overseeing key business functions. Prior to Lyft, Sverchek served as outside counsel to emerging technology companies, entrepreneurs, venture capital firms, and angel investors.
“Ken and Kristin bring significant financial and corporate leadership to Kodiak’s Board of Directors, along with firsthand experience not only in taking technology companies public but in operating them to maximize shareholder value,” Don Burnette, founder and CEO of Kodiak, said. “Their insight will strengthen our leadership bench as we transition to being a public company and continue scaling the deployment of our driverless trucks.”
