The Truck Training Schools of Ontario (TTSAO) has announced the hiring of long-time industry veteran, Kim Richardson, as their Chairman of the Board.
Yvette Lagrois, President of the TTSAO says, “Our Board of Directors see this as the next step in our positive growth as an industry association. Entry-level commercial driver training and a healthy truck training school sector is critical to the success of trucking in the province. Kim Richardson has decades of experience, is a proven leader and has connections with both industry leaders and government officials.”
Richardson has been involved in the trucking industry since childhood, officially since 1983. Kim and his wife Lisa have operated Kim Richardson Transportation Specialists, Inc. (KRTS, Inc) since 1989. He has been on the OTA Allied Trade Board of Directors for over a decade and is the past Chairman. Richardson has also served on the Board of Directors of the Professional Truck Driver’s Institute for over 20 years and recently received PTDI’s highest honour – the Lee Crittenden award. He also played an instrumental role in Ontario’s Apprenticeship Program for commercial tractor-trailer drivers.
The TTSAO has been very active with its membership, working closely with the Ministry of Transportation’s leadership regarding mandatory entry level driver training. Richardson’s new role within the TTSAO is well-timed to keep the momentum going towards achieving a minimum training standard in the industry. He says, “This position allows me to focus on the issues front and center at the TTSAO, specifically in regards to mandatory entry level driver training. During my discussions with the TTSAO over the last couple of months, we have talked about the many really good business owners in the industry who are committed to training and they want to make a difference. This should be a lot of fun.”