Groendyke Transport recently reward Chris Pape for 20 years of dedicated service by promoting him to vice president of safety and training.
Pape has played a key role in Groendyke’s safety and training efforts since 2009, helping the carrier claim National Tank Truck Carriers’ North American safety championship in 2016 and 2018. Groendyke holds the record for the most NTTC safety championships with eight, having also won in 1973, 1975, 1990, 1991, 1999, and 2000.
“Chris is a prime example of the opportunities for growth at Groendyke Transport,” said Greg Hodgen, president and CEO of Groendyke. “His hard work and determination to climb the ladder and become a top-notch safety professional has been nothing short of impressive, and I am proud to have him leading our safety and training efforts.”
Pape joined Groendyke in 2002 as a driver at its Fort Worth, Texas, terminal. In 2003, he was promoted to driver instructor, followed by promotion to field safety coordinator in 2007. Two years later, he moved to Groendyke’s headquarters in Enid, Oklahoma, as manager of safety and training before earning a promotion to director of safety and training in 2013.
Pape has also made significant contributions to the trucking industry at large. Since 2009, he has served on the Oklahoma Safety and Security Council (OSSC) under Oklahoma Trucking Association (OTA) and the NTTC Safety Council. He has also served on the NTTC Energy Services Committee since 2015.
In October, Pape was named southern region chair of the NTTC Safety Council. As a member of the OSSC, he has served two terms as OSSC chair and 12 years as chair of either the equipment or course for OTA’s Truck Driving Championships.
Pape also holds numerous safety certifications. Most recently, he completed the rigorous Certified Safety and Health Official program at University of Texas at Arlington.
“Accolades are great, but that’s not who I am. I am proud to be part of a great safety team,” Pape said. “Our mission has always been to protect our employees, those around us, and the company. I wouldn’t be in this position, and our company wouldn’t be successful without the strong safety culture we’ve built over our 90 years in business.
“I feel blessed to be part of such a great group of safety-minded professionals.”