“I think we all know we can never stop learning,” new TMC Chairman Radu Mihai said. “We also cannot afford to forget the importance of what emotional intelligence and leadership brings to up our lives.” (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Against the backdrop of March Madness-themed scenery in the Karl F. Dean Grand Ballroom of Music City Center, Radu Mihai was introduced as the 66th general chairman and treasurer of American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council on March 12.
Officially installed as chairman March 10, Mihai is the corporate fleet manager for Calgary, Alberta-based Burnco Rock Products.
As part of the ceremonial “changing of the guard” moment at the reception and social event during the 2025 TMC Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, former Chairman Amanda Schuier introduced Mihai after she reflected on her successful year as chairman, highlighting the engagement and contributions of TMC members.
“This is a day that I have both looked forward to and dreaded for quite some time, but I know that I am leaving the council in Radu’s capable hands,” she said. “As I thought about my theme of engagement last year, you guys have gone so far and above beyond what I even expected.”
Schuier told the crowd that her 12-year-old daughter asked her to describe her chairmanship by how she “ate TMC up and left no crumbs.”
“But the truth is there are so many crumbs for all of you to continue to pick up, and that’s what I’m asking of you tonight,” she explained. “As I thought through what made a difference to me in my chairman year, it was the people.”
Before he started his speech, Mihai expressed gratitude to Schuier for her leadership and presented tokens of appreciation, including an artist’s rendition of Schuier’s career.
Mihai presented gifts to Schuier, including this artist’s rendition of Schuier’s career. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Outlining his chairmanship, Mihai described his theme for the upcoming year as “Ensuring Trucking’s Future Success,” emphasizing the need to master current technologies while also developing leadership and soft skills.
“I personally have noticed a trend toward more data, and this trend is something that transcends the trucking industry,” Mihai said. “We also happen to live in a world where we have free access to information, and as we gather more knowledge, our common wisdom should be greater than ever before.”
Mihai stressed the importance of sharing expertise and knowledge to develop the next generation of mechanics, leaders and frontline managers in the industry. He encouraged TMC members to display and practice leadership traits, such as empathy, hard work, collaboration, building relationships, negotiation skills and coaching/mentoring.
“I think we all know we can never stop learning,” Mihai said. “We also cannot afford to forget the importance of what emotional intelligence and leadership brings to up our lives.”
Mihai presents a plaque to Schuier recognizing her TMC service. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Mihai expressed confidence that by focusing on these efforts, TMC can succeed in generating new leaders and ensuring personal and professional success.
“If we are to be successful and bring up the next generation of mechanics, of leaders, of frontline managers, anything … we all have to pitch in [and] share our expertise and knowledge in order to make it possible,” he said. “Please display and practice leadership in your daily lives.”
The event concluded with Mihai inviting everyone to enjoy the rest of the evening’s festivities, which included basketball-related games like free throw and ball-spinning contests, and a performance by the Downtown Band, a Nashville-based group.
TMC attendees participate in a free throw shooting contest. (Karen Foote/American Trucking Associations)
