TMC General Chairman Amanda Schuier honors Jack Vander Giessen of Cummins-Meritor. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council honored five professionals with its Silver Spark Plug award during a conference March 10.
The Silver Spark Plug is the highest honor bestowed by the council and was presented at the 2025 TMC Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition. The award is given to individuals who demonstrate professional excellence in commercial vehicle maintenance.
“Now we come to a very special moment during our town hall meeting, our Silver Spark Plug presentations,” TMC General Chairman Amanda Schuier said. “TMC veterans know that the Silver Spark Plug is the council’s highest honor, and it is not bestowed lightly.”
TMC requires recipients to be full or associate members who have demonstrated five years of active service in support of leadership or group activities. They must also show respect for peers, clear industry leadership and contributions to innovations in the maintenance of commercial motor vehicles.
“Our first Silver Spark Plug joined TMC as a member in 1985,” Schuier said. “I heard from the Silver Spark Plug Committee that they couldn’t believe that he didn’t have this award already. Please join me in congratulating our newest Silver Spark Plug, Jack Vander Giessen of Cummins-Meritor.”
Andrew Krum and Amanda Schuier. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Giessen has been a longtime participant in the S.6 Chassis and Brake Systems Study Group. In that time, he served as chairman for several task forces, including those related to towing electric vehicles, chassis and brakes. He currently serves as the second vice chairman of the study group and has served as both a study group and task force secretary. He has moderated panels for several technical sessions as well.
“Our next Silver Spark Plug recipient has been a TMC member since 2017,” Schuier said. “It is said of him [that] he brings a dedication and passion to his role that is unmatched by any other study group secretary in my personal experience. Please join me in congratulating our newest Silver Spark Plug, Andrew Krum, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.”
Joey Young and Amanda Schuier. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Krum has been active in the S.4 Cab and Controls Study Group. He has served as the secretary for the study group since 2017. He was also a recipient of the Study Group Secretary Award in 2020 and is a TMC Recognized Associate. He has organized several sessions within S.4 during the past three years, such as ones pertaining to next-generation collision avoidance technologies.
“Our next Silver Spark Plug recipient has been a member of the Technology and Maintenance Council since 2005,” Schuier said. “It is said of him [that] he has been a great diplomat for the industry. Please join me in congratulating our newest Silver Spark Plug, Bryan Lewis, ASE.”
Mark Kennedy and Amanda Schuier. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Lewis has been involved in activities supporting the council, including serving as the judge chairman for the TMCSuperTech National Technician Skills Competition. He also is a two-time grand champion of TMCSuperTech in 2007 and 2008. He has moderated meetings related to technicians, spoken at events and been on panels.
“Our next Silver Spark Plug winner has been with TMC since 2015,” Schuier said. “He is a longtime supporter of the TMCSuperTech competition, including providing equipment, personnel and contestants. And in my opinion, his company makes the best key lime pie in Florida. It is said of him [that] he is willing to contribute his time and expertise anywhere it is needed. He is a pleasure to work with and is a great ambassador for TMC. Please join me in congratulating our newest Silver Spark Plug, Joey Young, with Publix Supermarkets.”
Young is known for his participation in the S.6 Chassis and Brake Systems Study Group and served as its chairman from 2019 to 2024. He has also worked in other study groups, including being the second vice chairman for S.3 from 2013 to 2016.
“Our final Silver Spark Plug winner has been with TMC since 2017,” Schuier said. “He is a graduate of the inaugural class of the TMC Leaders of Tomorrow program, class of 2019, along with the OGs. It is said of him [that] he always shares his vast knowledge with TMC. Please join me in congratulating our newest Silver Spark Plug, and my friend, Mark Kennedy, with Knight-Swift Transportation.”
Kennedy has served as chairman of the S.4 Cab and Controls Study Group from 2017 to 2024. He has moderated, organized and served as a panelist for several educational sessions. In that time he covered issues like the future of auxiliary power units. He also chaired the TMC RP 430 update task force.
Knight-Swift ranks No. 7 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America.
