Heartland Express Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Heartland Express has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to reliable freight solutions, Heartland Express executes a mission focused on providing efficient, asset-based truckload services across North America, serving diverse industries with a philosophy centered on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Leadership Roles at Heartland Express

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jennifer Clark
  • Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer - Nicole Gerdin
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kent Rigdon
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Joshua Helmich
  • Jennifer Clark - Chief Executive Officer

    Jennifer Clark, the Chief Executive Officer at Heartland Express, directs the company's overarching strategic vision and operational execution. Clark oversees all facets of the business, ensuring alignment with market demands for short-to-medium, and long-haul truckload services. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion and service offerings, particularly in dry van and temperature-controlled freight. Jennifer Clark's focus remains on enhancing the efficiency of nationwide asset-based operations and cross-border transportation. The Chief Executive Officer ensures that both the Heartland Express and Millis Transfer brand names continue to represent reliability and quality in the consumer goods, appliances, food products, and automotive sectors. Clark's strategic direction supports sustained growth and market leadership within the competitive transportation industry.

    Nicole Gerdin - Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Nicole Gerdin, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at Heartland Express, governs the company's strategic direction and corporate governance. Gerdin leads the executive team, setting the tone for operational excellence and financial prudence across all business units. This executive position involves overseeing the company's nationwide asset-based dry van truckload services and temperature-controlled offerings. Nicole Gerdin's leadership ensures the continued success of the Heartland Express and Millis Transfer brands, serving key industries such as consumer goods, appliances, food products, and automotive. The Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that enhance service delivery and expand market reach within the United States and Canada. Gerdin's comprehensive oversight supports the company's long-standing reputation for dependability and efficiency in freight transportation.

    Kent Rigdon - Chief Operating Officer

    Kent Rigdon, the Chief Operating Officer at Heartland Express, manages the day-to-day operational execution of the company's extensive truckload services. Rigdon directs the fleet operations, ensuring efficient deployment of assets for both dry van and temperature-controlled freight across North America. This critical role involves optimizing logistics and supply chain processes to meet shipper demands in the consumer goods, appliances, food products, and automotive industries. Kent Rigdon's oversight extends to maintaining high standards of service reliability and safety across the Heartland Express and Millis Transfer networks. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates closely with other executive leaders to drive operational efficiencies and support the company's strategic growth objectives. Rigdon's focus on operational excellence underpins the company's commitment to dependable transportation solutions.

    Joshua Helmich - Chief Administrative Officer

    Joshua Helmich, the Chief Administrative Officer at Heartland Express, oversees the critical administrative functions that support the company's operational and strategic goals. Helmich manages key areas including human resources, legal affairs, and corporate compliance, ensuring the smooth functioning of the organization. This role is vital for maintaining the company's infrastructure and supporting its workforce across nationwide truckload operations. Joshua Helmich's responsibilities include developing and implementing policies that align with the company's mission of providing reliable transportation services. The Chief Administrative Officer plays a key part in fostering a productive work environment and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards within the transportation sector. Helmich's administrative leadership contributes to the overall stability and efficiency of Heartland Express.
    Joshua Helmich

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Heartland Express Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Heartland Express?
    Heartland Express is led by Jennifer Clark (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nicole Gerdin (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer) and Kent Rigdon (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Heartland Express’s executive team?
    The executive team of Heartland Express includes leaders such as Jennifer Clark (Chief Executive Officer), Nicole Gerdin (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), Kent Rigdon (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Heartland Express have?
    Heartland Express has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Heartland Express’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Heartland Express includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Administrative Officer.