Skinner Transportation Appoints Industry Veteran Johnny Cargill as Director of Business Development and Marketing
Skinner Transportation Inc., a long-established provider of transportation and logistics services, has announced the appointment of Johnny Cargill as its new Director of Business Development and Marketing. The newly created leadership role reflects the company’s strategic focus on growth, brand visibility, and long-term partnerships as it enters its next phase of expansion.
In his new position, Cargill will be responsible for leading Skinner Transportation’s business development initiatives, overseeing marketing strategy, and cultivating strategic relationships with customers, partners, and industry stakeholders. His appointment brings decades of experience across business development, marketing, public affairs, and communications—experience that spans multiple industries and includes deep roots in the transportation sector.
A Strategic Hire to Support Growth
The creation of the Director of Business Development and Marketing role signals Skinner Transportation’s commitment to strengthening its market position while continuing to deliver the reliability and service excellence that have defined the company for more than three decades. As competition intensifies across the transportation and logistics landscape, the company sees strategic marketing, relationship-driven growth, and clear brand positioning as essential components of sustainable success.
Cargill’s role will focus on aligning Skinner Transportation’s operational strengths with a cohesive external message, while identifying new opportunities for expansion and collaboration. This includes supporting customer acquisition, reinforcing long-standing client relationships, and ensuring the company’s value proposition is clearly communicated across all channels.
Extensive Experience Across Marketing, Communications, and Public Affairs
Johnny Cargill brings a broad and multifaceted professional background to Skinner Transportation. His career includes senior-level leadership in marketing and communications, as well as hands-on experience in public policy and legislative affairs—an uncommon combination that positions him well to navigate the complex regulatory and commercial environment of the transportation industry.
Most recently, Cargill spent 17 years as Director of Marketing and Communications at The Lanier Law Firm in Houston, one of the nation’s most prominent plaintiffs’ law firms. During his tenure, he oversaw all aspects of marketing, branding, and public relations for the firm across multiple office locations. His responsibilities included managing brand strategy, coordinating national advertising efforts, and overseeing media relations at a national level.
In that role, Cargill worked closely with senior leadership to ensure consistent messaging and reputation management, while also adapting communications strategies to support the firm’s growth and evolving priorities. His experience managing communications for a sophisticated professional services organization provided him with a strong foundation in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and high-visibility brand stewardship.
National Media and High-Profile Communications Leadership
A significant component of Cargill’s experience includes coordinating national media appearances and serving as a key liaison between organizational leadership and major news outlets. During his time at The Lanier Law Firm, he facilitated interviews and appearances on prominent networks such as CNN, Fox News, CNBC, and other major media platforms.
This exposure required a nuanced understanding of media dynamics, message discipline, and public perception—skills that translate directly into effective corporate communications and brand leadership. For Skinner Transportation, this experience adds an additional layer of credibility and capability as the company continues to engage with customers, partners, and the broader industry.
Deep Roots in the Transportation Industry
Before his work in professional services, Cargill represented the Texas trucking industry as a lobbyist in Austin. In that role, he worked directly with legislators, regulators, and industry stakeholders on issues affecting commercial transportation, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance.
This experience provided Cargill with firsthand insight into the policy environment surrounding trucking and logistics, as well as a strong understanding of how legislative and regulatory decisions impact transportation companies at an operational level. His background in advocacy and policy engagement remains particularly relevant as transportation providers navigate evolving regulations, workforce challenges, and infrastructure priorities.
Cross-Industry Perspective Enhances Strategic Value
In addition to his work in law and transportation, Cargill’s career includes marketing, advertising, and communications roles in the agricultural, energy, and steel industries. He previously worked with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, where he developed a strong foundation in legislative affairs, public policy, and industry advocacy.
These diverse experiences have given Cargill a broad perspective on how different industries approach branding, stakeholder communication, and growth strategy. For Skinner Transportation, this cross-industry insight supports a more adaptive and forward-looking approach to business development and marketing.
Leadership Perspective from Skinner Transportation
Willis Skinner, Chief Executive Officer of Skinner Transportation, emphasized the strategic importance of Cargill’s appointment and the value of his diverse experience.
“Johnny brings a rare combination of skills that’s ideally suited to our growth strategy,” Skinner said. “His transportation industry roots, combined with nearly two decades managing communications for a sophisticated professional services firm, give him the strategic perspective we need as we expand our footprint and strengthen client relationships across the region.”
According to Skinner, the decision to create a dedicated leadership role for business development and marketing reflects the company’s long-term vision.
“As we continue to grow, it’s critical that our operational excellence is matched by a strong, consistent market presence,” Skinner added. “Johnny’s experience will help us tell our story more effectively while building the relationships that support sustainable growth.”
Cargill’s Vision for the Role
Cargill expressed enthusiasm about joining Skinner Transportation and contributing to the company’s continued success.
“Skinner Transportation has built an outstanding reputation over more than three decades through reliability and service excellence,” Cargill said. “I’m honored to join the team and look forward to helping expand awareness of what sets this company apart as we pursue new growth opportunities.”
He noted that his focus will be on aligning the company’s values with its external messaging, while supporting both existing customers and prospective partners.
“There is a strong foundation here,” Cargill added. “My goal is to build on that foundation by strengthening relationships, supporting the sales organization, and ensuring that Skinner Transportation’s strengths are clearly understood in the markets we serve.”
Community Leadership and Civic Engagement
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cargill is actively involved in community leadership and civic organizations. He currently serves as Chair of the Calf Scramble Donors Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the nation’s most prominent agricultural and community events.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo plays a significant role in supporting youth education, agricultural programs, and community development across Texas. Cargill’s involvement reflects a long-standing commitment to service and leadership beyond the workplace.
In addition to his role with the Rodeo, Cargill maintains active involvement with numerous civic and professional organizations, reinforcing his belief in giving back to the communities that support business growth and economic development.
Positioning Skinner Transportation for the Future
With Cargill’s appointment, Skinner Transportation continues to invest in leadership that supports both operational excellence and strategic growth. As the transportation industry faces ongoing challenges—including capacity constraints, regulatory complexity, workforce development, and evolving customer expectations—the company sees strong business development and marketing leadership as essential to navigating change.
By combining industry knowledge, communications expertise, and a relationship-driven approach, Cargill is expected to play a key role in shaping Skinner Transportation’s next chapter. His appointment underscores the company’s confidence in its future and its commitment to building a resilient, customer-focused organization.
As Skinner Transportation looks ahead, the addition of Johnny Cargill to its leadership team represents both continuity and evolution—honoring the company’s established values while embracing new opportunities for growth, visibility, and long-term success.
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