About the Speaker

Kristy Knichel, a proud Pittsburgh native and second-generation logistics executive, has been at the helm of Knichel Logistics since 2007, when she succeeded her father, William Knichel, as President. In 2009, she became the majority owner, solidifying her role as a trailblazer in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Under her leadership, Knichel Logistics has grown exponentially, achieving certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) status, and reaching an impressive $100 million in annual revenue by 2022.

Kristy’s strategic vision and relentless drive have positioned Knichel Logistics as a top-tier service provider within the intermodal marketing community (IMC). She has diversified the company’s offerings to include over-the-road brokerage, less-than-truckload (LTL), and specialty services, while spearheading continuous technology enhancements to improve operational efficiency. Her goal is ambitious yet attainable: to elevate Knichel Logistics into the top 50 logistics brokers in the U.S.

A recognized leader in the industry, Kristy has received numerous accolades, including the inaugural Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award and the 2020 Influential Woman in Trucking Award from the Women in Trucking Association. She previously served as the Intermodal Logistics Conference Chair on the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Board of Directors. She serves on the Women In Logistics board for the Broker Carrier Summit. In 2022, Kristy made history as the only woman named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the East Central Region.

Passionate about giving back, Kristy actively mentors women in the logistics industry, fostering the next generation of female leaders. She also amplifies women’s voices through her role as co-host of two influential podcasts: Ladies Leadership Coalition and Empowering Women into Logistics, where she shares insights, leadership strategies, and stories of resilience to inspire others.

Today, Kristy focuses on expanding Knichel Logistics’ footprint through strategic development while fostering a culture of growth and self-improvement within her team. She resides in Grove City, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Jason, and their son, Brayden. A devoted Steelers fan, Kristy enjoys camping adventures with family and friends, embracing the same spirit of connection and resilience that defines her leadership style.