Forward Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Forward has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, agile project management, information technology, human resources, and Pacific regional operations.

Focused on delivering time-definite logistics solutions, Forward maintains a commitment to operational excellence and reliable freight services across the expedited LTL industry through an asset-light business model.

Leadership Roles at Forward

  • Chief Financial Officer - Jamie Pierson
  • President, -Pacific (Asia) - Joanna Zhu
  • SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer) - Shelah Mabeus
  • Interim Chief Information Officer - Jason Ringgenberg
  • Chief People Officer - Douglas Smith
  • Jamie Pierson - Chief Financial Officer

    Jamie Pierson, the Chief Financial Officer at Forward, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Managing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting, forecasting, and investor relations to ensure long-term profitability. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of the asset-light model to optimize margins within the expedited LTL industry. By maintaining strict fiscal discipline, Jamie Pierson supports the expansion of ground transportation services across North American markets. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to align capital investments with the core mission of providing reliable, time-definite freight delivery. Through precise financial oversight, Pierson secures the necessary resources for sustainable growth. This position remains critical for navigating the complexities of the freight sector while delivering consistent value to shareholders and maintaining the operational integrity of the company.

    Joanna Zhu - President, -Pacific (Asia)

    Joanna Zhu, the President, -Pacific (Asia) at Forward, directs the expansion and management of operations across the Asian market. Overseeing the regional logistics network, the President, -Pacific (Asia) ensures that the company's time-definite delivery standards meet the needs of international freight forwarders. This leadership role involves navigating complex trade environments to optimize the flow of goods into the North American market. By building strategic partnerships with regional logistics providers, Joanna Zhu enhances the company's global reach. The President, -Pacific (Asia) collaborates with the executive team to align regional performance with the overall asset-light business model. Through the execution of targeted growth strategies, Zhu secures a competitive advantage in the Pacific region. This function remains critical for integrating international freight flows into the company's core service offerings and ensuring consistent reliability for global customers.

    Shelah Mabeus - SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer)

    Shelah Mabeus, the SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer) at Forward, architects the framework for enterprise-wide project delivery. Overseeing the integration of agile methodologies, the SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer) ensures that technical initiatives align with the logistics requirements of freight forwarders and airlines. This leadership role involves streamlining complex workflows to enhance the efficiency of time-definite delivery systems. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Shelah Mabeus drives the digital transformation of internal processes. The SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer) coordinates with IT leadership to prioritize high-impact projects that support the company's asset-light model. Through the implementation of scalable project management standards, Mabeus improves cross-departmental collaboration. This function remains essential for maintaining the agility required to compete in the fast-paced transportation industry.

    Jason Ringgenberg - Interim Chief Information Officer

    Jason Ringgenberg, the Interim Chief Information Officer at Forward, directs the technological infrastructure supporting the company's logistics network. Overseeing the development of digital tools for freight tracking and management, the Interim Chief Information Officer ensures the reliability of systems serving logistics companies and airlines. This leadership role involves modernizing data architecture to improve the precision of time-definite freight delivery. By leveraging advanced analytics, Jason Ringgenberg optimizes the asset-light model for maximum operational efficiency. The Interim Chief Information Officer collaborates with the broader executive team to secure the digital perimeter and enhance service delivery across the entire transportation network. Through strategic technology investments, Ringgenberg supports the company's market position as a leader in the expedited LTL industry. This role remains vital for maintaining the technological edge necessary to meet the evolving demands of the global freight market.

    Douglas Smith - Chief People Officer

    Douglas Smith, the Chief People Officer at Forward, directs the human capital strategy to support the company's logistics operations. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, the Chief People Officer ensures the workforce remains aligned with the mission of providing reliable freight services. This leadership role involves designing programs that attract and retain skilled professionals capable of managing complex transportation networks. By fostering an environment of high performance, Douglas Smith drives the operational success of the company's diverse customer base. The Chief People Officer collaborates with other executives to integrate human resources initiatives with the broader business strategy. Through the implementation of robust training and engagement frameworks, Smith strengthens the organizational foundation. This position remains essential for maintaining the human infrastructure required to sustain the company's growth and service quality within the competitive freight industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Forward Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Forward?
    Forward is led by Jamie Pierson (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Joanna Zhu (President, -Pacific (Asia)) and Shelah Mabeus (SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer)).
    Who is part of Forward’s executive team?
    The executive team of Forward includes leaders such as Jamie Pierson (Chief Financial Officer), Joanna Zhu (President, -Pacific (Asia)), Shelah Mabeus (SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Forward have?
    Forward has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Forward’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Forward includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, -Pacific (Asia), SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer), Interim Chief Information Officer, Chief People Officer.