Karsen Ulwelling- Valley Transportation Services: 2020/21 NEXTLEADER Class

Over the course of this 12-month program, you will learn how to:  build teams, become a person of influence, negotiate with confidence, cultivate relationships, deliver powerful presentations, lead meetings effectively, understand trucking tax & financials, leverage your MTA membership, interact with legislators and government agencies, strategically think & plan, and communicate effectively.

​

Applicants:  Emerging trucking industry leaders, from MTA member companies, across all disciplines are encouraged to apply.   Applicants range from new managers to CEOs.  Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on July 18, 2025 to be considered for selection.  Applicants will be contacted on July 25, 2025 with the class selection decision.  Class selection is competitive.  There are only 20 seats available in the 2025/2026 NEXTLEADER class.  Early applications will receive preference for class selection. 

To apply, you must register online and include the following:

1) Personal Essay.  In 200 words or less describe why you are a good candidate for the NEXTLEADER program along with your career aspirations and goals.  Upload in PDF format.

2) Professional Resume.  Upload in PDF format.

3) Letter of Recommendation from your direct supervisor or company executive that explains why you are an emerging trucking industry leader, including descriptions and assessments on your professional achievements, qualifications and potential in the trucking industry, leadership abilities, and leadership experience.  This may be uploaded in the registration system in PDF format or sent separately to MTA@mntruck.org subject line: NEXTLEADER Letter.

4) Professional Headshot.  This photo can be taken with your phone against a plain backdrop, company logo, or a truck.  If selected for this program, this photo will be published in Trucking Minnesota.  

​

Class Schedule: (September 2025 to August 2026)

Session 1 (September 10): Team Building, Trucking, & Interacting with Government Officials & Agencies (Brooklyn Center)

Session 2 (October - self scheduled):  The Maxwell DISC Profile (Online Assessment) & Executive Coaching Session 

Session 3 (November 3-5): John Maxwell Professional Development & Leadership Training (Brooklyn Center)

Session 4 (January 27): Leading Critical Conversations – MTA Safety Conference (Vadnais Heights Commons)

Session 5 (February tbd): Leading Change Through Influence – MTA Truck to the Capitol (St. Paul)

Session 6 (March 18): Effective Negotiations and Trucking Tax & Finance (Brooklyn Center)

Session 7 (April 14): Learning Through Leadership – MTA Leadership Summit (Vadnais Heights Commons)

Session 8 (June 18): Leading Across Transportation – Planes, Trains, & Trucks

Session 9 (July 15): Leading Effective Meetings & Strategic Planning Methods (Brooklyn Center)

Session 10 (Aug 4-6): Cultivating Relationships, NEXTLEADER Council, Graduation - Annual Conference & Golf 

​

Program Fee: The Program fee of $3399.00 covers all expenses associated with the leadership program, including MTA event registration fees.  Participants will be responsible for costs of transportation, hotel, and hotel parking.  Once the class is confirmed, each participant will receive an invoice via email for payment.  The Program fee must be paid by August 29, 2025 to secure your spot.  

Attendance: Attendance at all sessions is critical for leadership development and getting the most benefit out of your NEXTLEADER experience.  The program includes nine in-person sessions and one online assessment.  Attendance is required at all sessions. Homework assignments will be given for any missed sessions. 

Meeting Details: Sessions 3, 6, and 9 will be located at the MTA’s Office Building in Brooklyn Center, MN.  The meetings will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Lunch will be provided on these days.  All other sessions will occur at the respective event locations on the designated day/time.  These details will be communicated when available.  You will be automatically registered for Safety Conference, Leadership Summit, Summer Golf Tournament, and Annual Conference with your paid NEXTLEADER registration.  

Hotel: Participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations.  Annual Conference will have special hotel rates that will be communicated when available.   The recommended hotel for sessions in Brooklyn Center is the Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis North or the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Minneapolis North (both walking distance to MTA Office).  The recommended hotel for the Safety Conference and Leadership Summit is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites St. Paul NE (Vadnais Heights).

Dress Code: Business casual (dress slacks, skirt, sweater, blouse, button down shirt, polo) is the preferred dress for the sessions.  Suits, Dresses, or Sport Coats will be required for Session 5 (Truck to the Capitol) and Session 10 (Graduation).  The Session 10 (Annual Conference Golf Tournament will require golf attire (collard shirt).  

​