Werner Names M. Gayle Packer to Board of Director
Werner Enterprises, Inc. , a premier transportation and logistics provider, announced that M. Gayle Packer has been appointed to its Board of Directors, filling a Class III directorship vacancy. This strategic addition brings a seasoned executive with deep expertise in engineering, leadership, and business transformation to the boardroom, as Werner continues its trajectory of innovation and operational excellence.
Derek Leathers, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Werner Enterprises, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, noting Packer’s impressive credentials and leadership acumen.
“We’re pleased to welcome Gayle to our Board,” said Leathers. “She brings a strong track record in leadership, company expansion and integration, client service, safety and innovation. Her experience leading a large, national engineering firm will be a tremendous asset as we continue driving Werner forward and reinforcing our commitment to operational excellence.”
A Proven Leader in Engineering and Professional Services
M. Gayle Packer currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Terracon Consultants, Inc., a 100% employee-owned engineering consulting firm that provides environmental, geotechnical, facilities, and materials services across the United States. Terracon, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, operates more than 180 offices nationwide and employs over 7,000 associates. Under Packer’s leadership, the firm has expanded its national footprint, diversified its services, and earned recognition for its commitment to technical excellence, employee engagement, and sustainable practices.
Terracon’s business model is rooted in innovation and collaboration, principles that align closely with Werner’s own operational philosophy. Packer’s deep understanding of complex engineering projects, combined with her legal background, equips her with a multifaceted perspective on risk management, compliance, and strategic planning—critical attributes for board governance at a major transportation and logistics company like Werner.
Prior to joining Terracon, Packer built a career in law, practicing as a corporate tax and employee benefits attorney. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, which underscores her advanced legal and regulatory expertise. This combination of legal and operational leadership provides a unique and valuable skill set as Werner navigates a highly regulated and rapidly evolving transportation landscape.
A Commitment to Community and Industry Advancement
Packer’s influence extends well beyond her role at Terracon. She currently serves on the boards of several high-profile organizations, where she contributes her strategic insights and advocates for industry progress, community development, and workforce education.
She is a member of the board of directors for VHB Inc., a civil engineering and design firm known for its transportation infrastructure expertise—an area directly relevant to Werner’s core business. VHB works on complex projects across North America, involving smart mobility, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development—critical intersections where logistics and civil engineering converge.
Her commitment to community engagement is reflected in her involvement with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the country. Through this role, she supports philanthropic initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity in the Kansas City area and beyond.
Packer is also active in regional and national policy dialogue through her work with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT). The latter brings together CEOs from leading design and construction firms to address critical issues in the built environment, infrastructure investment, and public-private partnerships.
Further demonstrating her dedication to nurturing the next generation of engineering professionals, Packer serves on the executive committee of the ACE Mentor Program of America, a national nonprofit that introduces high school students to careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields and has helped thousands of young people chart pathways into professional careers.
She also plays a leadership role in the Design Professionals Coalition of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), where she advocates for sound policy, ethical practices, and business excellence within the engineering consulting industry. Packer is a former board member of the ACEC Research Institute, which conducts research and develops policy recommendations to support a competitive and resilient U.S. engineering sector.
Enhancing Werner’s Strategic Capabilities
Packer’s appointment comes at a time of continued growth and transformation for Werner Enterprises. With a fleet of approximately 8,500 trucks and 30,000 trailers, the company is among the five largest truckload carriers in the United States. Werner has made significant investments in technology, safety systems, and sustainability initiatives, positioning itself as a leader in modern logistics solutions.
The addition of Packer to the Board aligns with Werner’s emphasis on diversity of experience and thought at the highest levels of decision-making. Her background brings an external viewpoint from adjacent sectors—engineering, consulting, and law—that complement the existing logistics and transportation expertise on the Board.
Moreover, her experience overseeing a large, employee-owned firm aligns with Werner’s commitment to building a strong culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and service excellence. Her presence on the Board is expected to enhance Werner’s oversight capabilities in areas such as corporate governance, human capital development, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.
A Strategic Addition with Long-Term Impact
As Werner navigates the increasingly complex logistics landscape—including the ongoing integration of digital technologies, regulatory shifts, and supply chain disruptions—strong and diverse board leadership is essential. The company’s ability to stay ahead of trends in sustainability, infrastructure investment, and workforce development depends in part on the strategic guidance provided by its Board of Directors.
Packer’s appointment reflects Werner’s proactive approach to board succession planning and leadership diversity. She joins a group of directors with deep experience in transportation, finance, operations, and public company governance.
Her legal background also strengthens the Board’s ability to manage compliance and corporate responsibility matters, particularly as the transportation industry faces greater scrutiny around environmental performance, labor practices, and data security.
With Gayle Packer joining the Board of Directors, Werner Enterprises signals a continued focus on forward-thinking leadership and governance excellence. As the company adapts to shifting market conditions and explores new growth opportunities, having board members who bring a range of perspectives, capabilities, and insights is more important than ever.
Packer’s multi-dimensional background in law, engineering, consulting, and organizational leadership makes her well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Werner’s long-term vision. Her appointment underscores Werner’s commitment to building a resilient, innovative, and inclusive leadership team to guide the company into the future.
About Werner Enterprises
Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WERN) is a premier transportation and logistics company, with coverage throughout North America, Asia, Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Werner is among the largest truckload carriers in the United States and offers a diversified portfolio of logistics services, including dedicated, one-way truckload, intermodal, and logistics solutions.
With a reputation for excellence, Werner continues to invest in technology, safety, and sustainability as it delivers superior service to a wide range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, and distribution.