The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Lauren Russell as its September 2025 Member of the Month. Russell is a partner at Select Transport Partners.
As a partner at Select Transport Partners, Russell continues to shape the future of third-party logistics while encouraging women to find their voices in an industry that has historically been male populated, according to a statement from WIT.
Russell’s career began right after college when a friend recruited her to join C.H. Robinson’s Chicago Central office.
“I immediately loved the energy, problem-solving, and creativity it took to succeed in the logistics industry,” she said. That spark ignited a lifelong career in third-party logistics, one that has allowed her to wear many hats and contribute across multiple areas of business.
Throughout her career, Russell has worked in human resources, recruiting, agent training, marketing, operations, and even planning conferences and events.
“It has been extremely rewarding to use my background to support agents and build strong teams, especially within smaller, growing companies,” Russell said.
One of the most formative experiences of Russell’s career came during her time at Armstrong Transport Group. When she joined, the company had just 15 employees and generated $75 million in revenue. By the time she left, Armstrong had grown into a $1 billion business. Witnessing that kind of transformation firsthand gave her a clear perspective on what was possible in logistics, according to Russell.
Select Transport Partners launched in June 2024, and Russell joined as a partner just a few months later. Alongside co-founders Chris Cobb and Tom Milosavljevich, she is now channeling her skills and experiences into building a company from the ground up. The chance to create something lasting is what motivates her daily.
“The excitement of building something from the ground up and creating a place where agents and employees feel supported and valued is what keeps me pushing forward,” she said.
Russell credits the guidance of mentors for shaping her approach to work. She points to Brian Mann, the former CEO of Armstrong, as a particularly influential figure.
“He encouraged me to take on new projects and gave me the freedom to approach them in my own way. His collaboration, creativity, and leadership were invaluable to my development,” she said.
Russell knows firsthand that trucking and logistics have long been industries where women are underrepresented. Although progress has been made, she encourages women entering the field to embrace their perspectives and voices saying, “while the industry has changed a lot over the last 25 years, you may still find yourself as the only woman in the room. Don’t be afraid to speak up; you bring a different perspective, and your voice should be heard.”
As Select Transport Partners continues to grow, Russell’s professional goals are clear. She said she wants the company to become the go-to brokerage for independent agents, known for strong recruiting, training, and support. She also envisions Select as a destination workplace where both agents and employees feel valued.
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