USA Truck adds two to exec management jobs

Van Buren-based USA Truck has hired Russell Overla as executive vice president, Truckload Operations, and Jeff Lester as executive vice president, Safety and Risk Management.

Lester and Overla have a combined 40 years in the transportation industry, according to the USA Truck statement.

In the course of his 15-year career, Overla has spent time with several industry leaders, including LinkAmerica, JBS Carriers, National Freight and Arnold. His job titles hve included load planner, customer service and planning, regional sales and operations. At USA Truck, Overla oversees fleet operations, fleet maintenance, driver recruiting and retention and customer service.

Lester brings 25 years’ experience to USA Truck, including work in safety, compliance, risk management, security, insurance and independent contractor programs. He was most recently at Greatwide Logistics, and has also worked for FedEx and Ryder. Lester, who will serve as USA Truck’s chief risk officer, holds a master’s degree in safety management. At USA Truck, Lester oversees safety, insurance, claims, compliance, orientation and the student driver program.

Lester and Overla will report directly to John Simone, president and CEO of USA Truck.

“These key additions to our executive management team represent our dedication to operational excellence and to positioning our company for continued growth well into the future,” Simone said in a statement. “Russell and Jeff are both proven performers who get results. I’m excited to have them join the USA Truck family.”