In this episode of the Highway To Hope, we feature an in-depth conversation with Diane Hutsell, who is celebrating her first National Truck Driver Appreciation Week since her appointment as the Executive Director of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. Diane, who joined SCF just before MATS in 2025 as the Director of Philanthropy, was appointed by the SCF Board of Directors to wear a second hat as the organization’s Executive Director on August 24.

Diane shares what she has learned about the trucking industry and SCF’s work on behalf of the people behind the wheel and their families since she joined SCF. She also talks to us about her past experience in leading non-profit organizations and what interested Diane in applying to serve as SCF’s Executive Director. She shares her philosophy of leadership and she notes the respect she has for the legacy within the industry that SCF has established. She is looking forward to celebrating the organization’s 20th anniversary next year and carrying the work of SCF forward into the future.

At the heart of the conversation you’ll hear Diane’s care and concern for professional drivers, and that is one of the reasons that we held this interview just prior to National Truck Driver Appreciation. We ask Diane directly about Driver Appreciation Week at the 15:27 mark of the episode. She also shares a story about a professional driver and his family that remains an inspiration that she carries while working to lead SCF.

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