Ed Crowell, recently retired president and CEO of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association (GMTA), was honored with the Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) 2025 State Trucking Award during the TRALA Annual Meeting Tuesday in Doral, Fla.
Crowell was recognized for his decades-long leadership and impact on the trucking industry.
“Ed has been a stalwart of the trucking industry for more than three decades,” says Jake Jacoby, TRALA president and CEO. “No matter the legislative challenge, he has consistently worked collaboratively and has remained a strong ally for TRALA and our members.”
Crowell led GMTA from 1993 until January 2025, guiding the organization through major legislative victories and operational growth. His work helped reshape Georgia’s trucking tax structure and strengthened GMTA’s financial position, making it one of the most stable state associations in the country.
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Beyond his industry role, Crowell is the principal author of the award-winning graphic novel series The Jekyll Chronicles and is known for his passion for outdoor adventures.
The TRALA State Trucking Award, established in 2016, honors individuals who have significantly advanced TRALA’s work at the state level.
Penske's Duff earns Legacy Award
TRALA also recognized Mike Duff with its 2025 Steve Lawrence Legacy Award during the final event of the TRALA Annual Meeting Wednesday. The award recognizes individuals who have made lasting and meaningful contributions to the association and the truck renting and leasing industry.
“Mike has been one of the most important individuals to impact TRALA over the last 15 years,” says Jacoby. “He has always put the best interests of TRALA and the industry as a whole above all else — serving as a sounding board, an advisor, and a steady presence through every challenge.”
Duff joined Penske in 1991 and has spent more than three decades in leadership roles spanning legal, compliance, government relations, and philanthropy. He currently serves as vice president of Community Engagement, where he leads Penske’s outreach and charitable efforts across the country.
Within TRALA, Duff has left a deep and lasting legacy. He served as TRALA chairman from 2018 to 2019, where he oversaw a complete update of the association’s bylaws and helped launch a joint security video project with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, he chaired TRALA’s Government Relations Committee for over a decade, played a key role in forming TRALAPAC, and provided trusted legal guidance to the association throughout his years of service, TRALA says.
Beyond his professional contributions, he has been a pillar of his local community in Reading, Pa. He has supported numerous charities, including the United Way of Berks County and the Diocese of Allentown’s “Because We Are Catholic” appeal. His work was recognized with the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award, honoring his commitment to giving back.
He and his wife Diane have been married for over 40 years and raised two sons, Alex and Steven. Together, they continue to serve as role models in both their personal and professional lives.
The Steve Lawrence Legacy Award, named for one of TRALA’s founding board members, is given to individuals who exemplify service, leadership, and commitment to TRALA and have made a lasting impact on the broader industry.
