General Sessions

Mallory Bivens serves as general counsel for The Pete Store, a commercial truck dealership group with more than 30 locations across 12 states. As the organization's sole in-house attorney, she works at the intersection of legal, acquisitions, real estate and operations, supporting a rapidly growing dealer network while building the legal and administrative infrastructure needed for continued growth.

Bivens serves as an executive sponsor of the company's Women in Trucking initiative. The Pete Store was recognized by Women in Trucking as a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation in 2024 and 2025. She brings a practical, people-first perspective to developing the next generation of dealership leaders.

Korey Neal Sr. is CEO of K. Neal Group, a family-owned enterprise encompassing K. Neal Truck and Bus Dealership (KNT&B), K. Neal TBC and Powells Truck. The organization operates six locations across the Mid-Atlantic, representing leading commercial truck and bus brands including International, Isuzu, Hino, IC Bus and Cummins. 
 

Under Neal’s leadership, KNT&B sells more than 800 commercial vehicles annually, manages a leasing fleet of more than 200 units and holds nearly 50% of Maryland’s school bus market. KNT&B was also named Dealer of the Year by the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition. 
 

A graduate of the American Truck Dealers Academy, Neal serves on the National Automobile Dealers Association Board, representing International, and the American Truck Dealers Board of Directors. His honors include the Washington Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the U.S. Black Chambers of Commerce Emerging Leaders & Influencers Award.

Maegan Ortega is the director of human resources for Kenworth Truck Company, where she leads strategic HR initiatives supporting manufacturing, engineering and corporate operations. With experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, employee development and organizational effectiveness, she partners with leaders to address evolving workforce needs across the trucking and manufacturing industries. Ortega has played a key role in large-scale hiring initiatives, employee development programs and workforce transformation efforts, including building inclusive workplace cultures. She is passionate about developing the next generation of talent, with a focus on attracting, developing and retaining skilled employees and strengthening partnerships among industry, education and communities. Ortega holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Western Washington University and an MBA from Seattle University.

Nikki Thomas is vice president of industry affairs at the American Trucking Associations (ATA), where she provides strategic leadership for industry engagement, workforce development and image initiatives. She oversees ATA’s national truck programs, including America’s Road Team, and leads workforce development efforts such as LEAD ATA, helping cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. 
 

Thomas played a pivotal role in the creation and expansion of Women In Motion (WIM), ATA’s second-largest council, which focuses on advancing the recruitment, retention and professional growth of women across the trucking industry. She also serves as co-lead of Nothing Without Trucking, the industry’s national image and education campaign highlighting trucking’s essential role in the U.S. economy and everyday life. 
 

Before joining ATA, Thomas served as vice president of development, marketing and programs for the Independent Petroleum Association of America and its Educational Foundation. She was appointed to the Truckers Against Trafficking Board of Directors in 2025.