Staff & Board of Trustees

Staff

Thomas A. Balzer, CAE

President & CEO
614-653-0290

Thomas A. Balzer, CAE is the president & CEO of the Ohio Trucking Association a position he has held for over ten years. Tom has over 25 years of experience as an association executive. During his tenure, the Ohio Trucking Association has seen some significant changes and logged some significant legislative wins. Including a 1,400% increase in assets, greater transparency and membership engagement, increased donations to the Political Action Committee and a heightened presence in Ohio politics.

Prior the Ohio Trucking Association Tom served as the director of administration at Midwest Motor Express, an LTL carrier with 32 terminals in 16 states, and a board member with Midnite Express, a truckload carrier that served 48 states and Canada. Tom has his CDL and drove linehaul during some of the busier times.

For over six years Tom was the executive vice president of the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association. During his tenure with the Association membership increased by 35% to the highest levels in organizational history, he returned the organization to profitability after over ten years of losses, and expanded its trucking education program offerings, including the nation’s only conference specifically for oilfield trucking operations.

Tom currently serves on the board of American Trucking Associations’s TruckPAC and the past chair of the Ohio Society of Association Professionals. He also served on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Household Goods Consumer Protection Working Group and serves on a variety of policy committees for the American Trucking Associations.

Tom was born and raised in Bismarck, North Dakota, received his M.B.A. from the University of Mary and his Bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Dakota.

Bradie Berry

Vice President
614-519-6462

Bradie Berry is a seasoned association professional with more than 24 years of industry experience. She joined the Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) in 2018 as Vice President of Meetings & Events and was promoted to Vice President in 2022. In this role, she directs the strategy and execution of meetings, events, and education programs, leads the Ohio Trucking Safety Council, and drives the implementation of OTA’s strategic plan.

Before joining OTA, Bradie spent more than 15 years with the Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA), advancing through multiple leadership roles. As Director of Major Events, she oversaw the association’s largest annual event, a multi-day education and trade show.

She holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Public Relations and Organizational Communication from Otterbein University.

Donna Taylor

Director of Communication
718-954-0725

Donna Taylor joined the Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) in October 2023 as the Director of Communications. With a diverse background in entertainment, fashion, event/venue management, and marketing, Donna brings a dynamic blend of creativity and strategy to her role.

Originally from Ohio, she spent over a decade in New York City, honing her skills in fast-paced industries before returning to her home state. In her position at OTA, Donna is responsible for developing and executing the association's marketing plan, creating and implementing a comprehensive social media strategy, managing organizational newsletters, and promoting events and educational opportunities. She also leads the Level Up Webinar series and provides event and education support.

Deb Seiple

Director of Business Development
614-653-1991

Debra “Deb” Seiple is an accomplished association management and sales professional with over 30 years of experience in membership growth, team leadership, business development, and delivering exceptional customer service.

In March 2022, Deb joined the Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) as Director of Business Development, where she is responsible for driving membership growth by promoting OTA’s mission, benefits, and sponsorship opportunities to carriers, movers, and allied partner companies serving Ohio’s trucking industry.

Throughout her career, Deb has held several leadership positions, including Membership Manager, Membership Director, Sales Manager, and Business Development Director. Before joining OTA, she spent seven years with the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance as Trade Show Manager and Membership Sales Specialist.

Known affectionately by colleagues and friends as “Turbo” for her energy, drive, and enthusiasm, Deb brings a contagious passion to everything she does. A proud fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, she’s also an avid NASCAR and IndyCar enthusiast. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active—working out, hiking, biking, the beach, traveling, and spending time with her family and five grandchildren.