Michelle Halkerston is a business leader who combines extensive experience in logistics and technology with a passion for developing high-performance teams and creative customer-centric solutions. Since acquiring Hassett Express in late 2013, Halkerston has led strategic initiatives to position the transportation and logistics company for scalable growth while continuing to provide customers reliable and flexible solutions. Hassett Logistics has received partnership awards from Southwest Airlines and Delta Airlines, as well as customer recognition in a variety of industries. The company is a certified Women Owned Business (WBE).
Prior to Hassett, Halkerston worked in a variety of technology and strategy roles at major 3PLs (Penske and FedEx), a transportation software startup and NASA. One of Halkerston’s most significant achievements was the design and development of a Logistics Management System supporting Fortune 500 customers, which included integration of Qualcomm satellite onboard computers for truck fleets. Halkerston engaged with other leaders to advocate on behalf of the freight forwarding community in her role as Chairperson of the Airforwarders Association. She is also a member of CSCMP and AWESOME, where she sits on the Advisory Board, and recently joined the University of Denver’s Transportation Institute (DTI) Board. Halkerston has been a speaker at industry events including CSCMP, Air Cargo, CNS, EFT and FreightWaves conferences.
As a certified WBE, Halkerston is a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion. She appreciates the power of storytelling and role models in helping others see what is possible and has shared her story in a number of settings including AWESOME, International Women’s Day events, Forbes and FW podcasts. Halkerston was selected as a 2019 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Finalist.
Halkerston holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Mount Union and an MBA from Baldwin-Wallace University. In addition to the Board roles mentioned above, she also supports and participates in local community initiatives including Habitat for Humanity. Halkerston served as the Honorary Chair for the DuPage Habitat for Humanity Executive Build. Hassett also supports the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN).
