With a background spanning digital transformation, talent development and hands-on training across fast-moving industries, Alysha Louis is stepping into her new role as education coordinator for the Truckload Carriers Association with one clear goal: Help motor carriers turn educational opportunities into operational advantages.
Like many others, Louis did not follow a straight path to the trucking industry. The Florida native moved to Washington, D.C., to attend college, where she studied sociology. Her career path changed, when she found herself thriving in the food and hospitality industry.
Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, she shifted again, this time moving into the corporate world where she worked in B2B platforming and organizational development. Building on that experience, she became the lead admissions recruiter for Washington Adventist University, creating marketing campaigns and events to boost admissions.
It was in her next role that Louis first entered the realm of transportation, working as a talent acquisition specialist for an agency that provides luxury transportation services, including corporate and personal travel, shuttle services and global transportation services.
“I focused on areas of recruitment, bringing their processes from paper to paperless. I did a lot of digital transformation and helped with organizational effectiveness there,” she said, adding that a promotion shifted her into employee learning and development.
“I developed the first official training department for a staff of 500 and launched learning management systems,” she continued.
As she shifts her focus to the freight industry, Louis says she’s excited to apply her experience and help ensure TCA members have the knowledge and education needed to succeed.
“I want to focus on our members,” she said. “I think that is something that’s very rewarding. “I want to be on the front end of things when it comes to face-to-face interactions with clients. This position allows me to do that, and I can help a lot of people.”
Louis says she’s received a warm welcome from the TCA staff, noting that the team has been helpful as she learns ins and outs of the transportation industry.
“I’ve enjoyed the accessibility of information and people’s willingness to share,” she said. “Sometimes common sense is not common — but I believe TCA’s staff has a lot of common sense.”
When she’s not developing programs to benefit the association, its members and the truckload industry as a whole, Louis loves spending time with her dog, Moose Magnus — a Great Dane/Labrador mix — and David, a cat that she’s had since she was 10.
“(My cat’s) turning 20 this year, in July,” she said, adding that the two animals have very distinctive personalities.
“My cat wants nothing to do with my dog’s foolishness — not even a little bit,” she said with a laugh.
Louis enjoys entertaining family and friends, and she’s earned a reputation as a master craftsman when it comes to cocktails.
“I still have my culinary curiosity from when I worked in the food and beverage industry. I love to cook and try new recipes,” she said.
“I love batching cocktails and making drinks. I love hosting,” she continued. “My place is kind of the ’revolving door’ apartment; everyone just shows up when they’re hungry and want a margarita.”
Beyond her love for pets and people, Louis has a passion for growing things.
“I really like plants. I’ve gotten into apartment gardening and even brought some plants into the office,” she said.
She loves traveling, in addition to learning new things — something that’s especially appropriate, given her role at TCA.
“On my 2026 bucket list, I’d like to take more pottery classes and learn how to play chess and the electric guitar,” she said.
Professionally, she’s looking forward to helping TCA members take advantage of the association’s many benefits and educational opportunities, including this year’s annual convention in Orlando.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
