Kendra Hems has been serving as President of the Trucking Association of New York since 2008. In this role, she serves as a liaison between the trucking industry, state agencies, and the legislature, actively advocating for the interests of the industry by promoting highway safety, providing educational programs and fostering a healthy business environment.

Ms. Hems served as National Chair of the Trucking Association Executive Council in 2017 and previously served as a Regional Chair of the Council in 2012. She served as a member of the American Transportation Research Institute’s Advisory Committee from 2011-2013, and from 2004-2007 served as President of the board of the North American Pre-Clearance System (NORPASS), a partnership of state and provincial agencies and trucking industry representatives who work together to promote commercial vehicle safety, efficiency and effectiveness throughout North America.

In November of 2010, Ms. Hems was named to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s transition team on transportation and infrastructure. In 2012 she was added to Governor Cuomo’s Chairman’s Committee to help identify ways to reduce burdens on New York business. In May of 2020 Ms. Hems was appointed to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Surface Transportation Council to advise on transportation issues related to COVID-19. Most recently, she was nominated in 2020 to serve on the Climate Action and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) Transportation Advisory Panel to provide recommendations on how to achieve New York’s ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Ms. Hems was recognized by her peers in 2014 with the Trucking Association Executive Council Leadership Award. In 2018 she was recognized by City & State with a Rebuilding New York Award for her work to improve efficient freight delivery in New York City. The Truck Renting and Leasing Association presented Ms. Hems with their State Trucking Award in 2019. Ms. Hems also received the Responsible 100 Award from City & State in 2019, which shines a light on an elite group of leaders who are setting new standards of excellence, dedication and leadership in improving their communities and making transformative change. In 2021 Ms. Hems was included in City & State’s first Transportation Power 100, identifying individuals who are updating and expanding the state’s transportation infrastructure – and revisioning how New Yorkers get around.

Ms. Hems joined the association in 1999, first as the organization’s Director of Safety, Maintenance and Technology Programs, and then as Deputy Director, prior to serving as President. She was previously employed by AMI Leasing and Logistics as the Director of Logistics, and by Lake Shore Transportation Lines as a Dispatcher.

Ms. Hems earned her BA in Management Science from the SUNY College at Oswego.