Guest Speaker

Aaron R. Gelb is a partner in Conn Maciel Carey’s Chicago office where he regularly advises and represents clients in relation to inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions involving federal OSHA and state OSH programs, while managing a full range of litigation against OSHA. Mr. Gelb also litigates EEO matters in federal and state courts (having tried several cases to verdict) and defends employers before the EEOC and fair employment agencies across the country.

Jenny Abernathy was appointed as CRST’s Chief People Officer in 2022. In this capacity, she oversees all aspects of Human Resources, collaborating with the current Human Resources and Driver Recruitment teams to advance CRST’s dedication to offering career development opportunities and enriching experiences for its entire workforce. 

Marilyn Surber serves as the VP of Sales and Marketing at Drivers Legal Plan and was previously Head of Industry Relations at Tenstreet since 2019. Marilyn has been a part of the transportation industry since 2008. She is passionate about serving the transportation industry and is an advocate for transportation community. She has over 15 years’ experience in corporate communication, recruiting, safety and driver training. Prior to joining Tenstreet, Marilyn served in a number of roles with Melton Truck Lines and Hilti, Inc.

Jill Apperson brings two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and workforce solutions to the transportation industry. Her love for trucking began with five years of service in the U.S. Army Reserves as an 88N Transportation Coordinator, where she developed a foundational expertise in transportation logistics. 

Since 2016, Ms. Gildea has served as the deputy executive director of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. Ms. Gildea assists with ensuring that the activities of the Alliance align with the organization’s safety mission. Ms. Gildea is responsible for policy and government affairs at CVSA and oversees the Alliance’s grant activities. Prior to that, Ms. Gildea was the director of policy and government affairs for the Alliance.

Tim O’Neil, MBA, CEBS, Senior Workforce Solutions Specialist, TrueNorth Companies, is a nationally recognized and award-winning leader and innovator in the benefits and wellness industry, Tim O’Neil partners with organizations to identify and mitigate risk, enhance levels of well-being and drive improved financial outcomes.

Over the last 20 years, he has held several leadership roles guiding global benefits and wellness strategies and has served as the benefits lead on three $1B+ transactions.