Linda Leary named Carlile president

Linda Leary was elected as president of Carlile Transportation Systems by its board of directors. Her new role is effective March 1, 2008. Co- founder and current President Harry McDonald will continue to serve as chief executive officer.

Leary joined Carlile in 1985 and has most recently served as vice president of sales and marketing in the company's Tacoma, WA office. She and her family will relocate to corporate headquarters in Anchorage, AK.

“As Carlile continues to expand its operations and services, I look forward to working with our family of employees as we meet the challenges of our current and future customers,” said Leary.

“Linda has been instrumental to the growth of Carlile over the past 23 years and she has the unwavering support of the board of directors and our 635 employees,” stated McDonald.

Leary earned a Masters in Global Supply Chain Management from the University of Alaska and an undergraduate degree from the University of Maine. Leary actively participates in many community programs and organizations including various local chambers of commerce, industry associations, The Port of Tacoma and other non-profit groups. She is an avid Carlile participant of the Susan G. Koman's Breast Cancer annual three-day walk for breast cancer research.

Founded in 1980 by brothers John and Harry McDonald, Carlile has grown from two tractors to one of Alaska's largest trucking companies. Carlile Transportation Systems is based in Anchorage and has 635 employees, including 110 at the Tacoma location. Carlile terminals serve Alaska from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, Kodiak, Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse, Seward, Forest Lake MN, Tacoma and Fife WA, Houston TX and Edmonton Alberta. Carlile is in the midst of launching new service between the West Coast and Honolulu.