The National Motor Freight Traffic Association Inc. (NMFTA) is announcing the promotion of Ben Wilkens to director of cybersecurity, where he will lead the association’s cybersecurity strategy, research initiatives, and industry engagement efforts.
“Ben’s leadership and real-world understanding of both cybersecurity and transportation make him exceptionally well-positioned to advance NMFTA’s mission in this critical area,” said Joe Ohr, chief operations and technical officer for NMFTA. “As cyber threats continue to evolve, his expertise will help ensure our members—and the broader industry—are better equipped to detect, prevent, and respond.”
Ben Wilkens
According to NMFTA, Wilkens brings a unique blend of hands-on transportation experience and advanced cybersecurity expertise to the role. Previously serving as a cybersecurity principal engineer at NMFTA, he has led efforts to develop innovative technologies, methodologies and strategies to help safeguard critical information systems across the freight and logistics ecosystem.
“In his role, Wilkens will collaborate closely with industry partners, academic institutions and government agencies to strengthen cybersecurity practices and knowledge-sharing across the sector,” NMFTA said. “He is known for providing actionable insights that help organizations improve their security posture in an increasingly complex threat landscape.”
Prior to joining NMFTA, Wilkens held a leadership role at a family-owned trucking and logistics company, where he focused on integrating technology to improve operational efficiency while maintaining strong cybersecurity standards.
A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Wilkens also holds an active Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL), bringing a rare, first-hand perspective to the intersection of cybersecurity and freight operations.
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.
