Driver of the Year
Celebrate Ohio's Top Drivers on March 13 in Columbus
The Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) is proud to honor the industry’s safest commercial drivers through its Driver of the Year award. This recognition celebrates professional drivers who exemplify exceptional safety records, strong dedication to their profession, and an unwavering commitment to safer roadways.
Congratulations to our 2025 Driver of the Year Finalists!
- Earl Bailey, III, Thomas E. Keller Trucking
- Mark Barber, Clopay Transportation Company
- Daniel Clark, Classic Carriers, Inc.
- Timothy Doerfler, Old Dominion Freight Line
- Howard Friend, Pitt Ohio
- James Garrett, III, Walmart Transportation
- Mark Hewitt, Ross Transportation Services, Inc.
- Michael Patton, Ward Transport and Logistics
- William Reynolds, Ports Petroleum Co., Inc.
- Darin Roach, Walmart Transportation
- Bruce Toplovich, Clopay Transportation Company
- Michael Wise, Clopay Transportation Company
We invite you to join us on Friday, March 13, for the Awards Celebration recognizing this year’s Driver of the Year Finalists. Held at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center (formerly Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center) in Lewis Center, this special evening offers an opportunity to congratulate the finalists and be part of the announcement of the 2025 Driver of the Year.
Please contact Bradie Berry if you have any questions.
Awards Banquet Information
Event Date:
Friday, March 13, 2026
(Banquet registration deadline is Wednesday, March 4, 2026)
Schedule of Events:
5:30pm – Cocktail Reception
6:15pm – Dinner
7:15pm – Awards Ceremony
Event Location
The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center
(formerly Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center)
100 Green Meadows Dr. S
Lewis Center, OH 43035
Hotel Accommodations:
A room block has been secured at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center. Rates start at $149 per night. To reserve, call (614) 880-4300 and reference “Ohio Trucking Association – Group Code 427547,” or book online here. Reservation deadline for the group rate: Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Congratulations to Steve Brand, the 2024 Ohio Driver of the Year!
The Ohio Trucking Association is proud to announce Steve Brand, a professional driver with FedEx Freight, as the recipient of the 2024 Ohio Driver of the Year award. With a remarkable career spanning decades and nearly 5 million accident-free miles, Steve Brand embodies the very best of the trucking industry. His outstanding safety record, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the profession have earned him this prestigious honor.
Thank You to our Presenting Sponsor
