Who We Are

Established in 2009, TAT started with a simple yet powerful belief: that every truck driver can be a crucial ally in the fight against human trafficking.

Since then, TAT has grown to encompass a greater portion of the transportation industry, forming deep alliances to maximize collective effort through programs that include innovative training, partnerships with law enforcement and advocacy efforts. Using targeted systems change as our model, we’ve raised awareness about trafficking, who it targets and its signs, and equipped individuals to take action whenever their lives intersect with it and its victims.

At TAT, we’re driven by the belief that together, we can make a difference. Our focus on collaboration, education and action fuels our mission to end human trafficking and restore dignity to survivors. Join us as we work to dismantle trafficking networks and bring perpetrators to justice.

Our Mission

TAT stands committed to educate, equip, empower and mobilize members of key industries and agencies to combat human trafficking.

Our Story

Lyn Leeburg sent her four daughters, Kirsta Melton, Kylla Lanier, Kendis Paris and Karin Larsen the book “Not for Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade–and How We Can Fight It” by David Batstone and urged them to read it. Horrified by what they learned, they resolved to find an innovative way to disrupt human trafficking networks and support the recovery of victims.

From Lyn’s childhood days at her family motel in El Paso, Texas, she knew truck drivers to be dependable people of good character. Beyond that, she knew the extraordinary reach of the industry, as millions of truck drivers traverse the roadways daily. As traffickers use the same roadways and gas stations as everyone else, truck drivers are uniquely positioned to recognize and report this heinous crime.

In 2009, Lyn, her daughters, and a family friend, Crystal Chandler, founded TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking). While initially started as an initiative of Chapter 61 Ministries, TAT’s founders quickly discerned the impact the trucking industry could have in the fight against human trafficking, as both the industry and the anti-trafficking movement embraced its theory-of-change. Incorporated as its own 501(c)(3) organization in 2011, Kendis became its first full-time employee and executive director. Lyn continued as TAT’s director of communications and Kylla became TAT’s deputy director.

Fifteen years since its founding, TAT has grown from an idea seeded by a small team of volunteers to an organization that has trained over 1.7 million people on human trafficking. As a result, TAT-trained professionals have made thousands of calls to law enforcement and helped in the recovery of hundreds of victims. TAT’s work has expanded beyond the trucking industry to include the bus and energy industries, as well as law enforcement and government agencies. TAT’s impact continues to increase exponentially, as its industry and law enforcement partners carry the TAT message forward and work alongside TAT to raise awareness about human trafficking within their communities and networks.

The TAT founders
(Front from left) Lyn Leeburg, Kylla Lanier
(Back from left) Kirsta Melton, Kendis Paris, Karin Larsen
Crystal Chandler
Crystal Chandler

Our Team

Our team members are the heart and soul of our organization, tirelessly working to achieve our mission in ways that affect lasting and impactful change in the fight against human trafficking. Each individual brings a unique set of skills, experiences and unwavering commitment to our cause. Get to know the passionate individuals who drive our efforts forward and join us in making a difference in the fight against modern-day slavery.

Staff
Board of Directors
Advisory Committee
Esther Goetsch
Executive Director

Public Sector Engagement


Kylla Lanier
Deputy Director,
Senior Director of Public Sector Engagement

Maggie Dawson
Public Sector Engagement Specialist

Dylan Wecht
Public Sector Engagement Specialist

Liz Williamson
Training Specialist/Survivor Leader

Hilary Benanzer
Data Analyst

Programs & Strategic Initiatives


Annie Sovcik
Senior Director of Programs & Strategic Initiatives

Sara Sefried
Director of Strategic Partnerships

Lexi Higgins
Director of Industry Engagement
(Transit, Motorcoach, School Transportation)

Kelley Alsobrook
Training Specialist/Survivor Leader

Louis Greek
Training Specialist

Industry Training & Outreach


Laura Cyrus
Senior Director of Industry Training & Outreach

Heather Fry
Director of Industry Training

Molly Griffiths
Corporate Engagement Manager

Chris Moreno
Industry Training Program Specialist

Brandy Belton
Freedom Drivers Project Director

Micah Larsen
Freedom Drivers Project Specialist

Amanda Haggerty
Data Administration Specialist

Operations


Lyn Leeburg
Communications Director

Darrah Thomas
Communications Manager

Susan Dold
Director of Finance and HR

Arianne Singleton
Administrative Specialist

TAT’s Board of Directors is a source of encouragement, strength, wisdom, experience, business acumen and a gateway to the industries and organizations they represent. The Board of Directors serves to promote the mission of TAT and is the policy-making body for the organization.

Scott Perry
Chair
Suddath Global Logistics

Gareth Aiken
Director
FedEx Ground

Don Blake
Director
Inland Kenworth US, Inc.

Debi Boffa
Director
TravelCenters of America

Linda Burtwistle
Director
Executive Chair of Coach USA

Josh Holland
Director
Bridgestone

Sara Rajtik
Director
American Trucking Associations

Chief Tommie J. Reese, Sr.
Director
Alabama Attorney General’s Office

Lou Rivieccio
Director
UPS Corporate Transportation

Antoine Sadler
Director
Walmart Transportation

Stephanie Wicky
Director
Ryder

Esther Goetsch
Executive Director
TAT

Gary Clark
Board Member Emeritus
Bridgestone

Bruce DD MacRae
Board Member Emeritus
UPS

The TAT Advisory Committee is comprised of members who come from diverse backgrounds, professional spheres, and experiences in fighting human trafficking. They provide thought leadership, lived experience expertise, business leadership, resource activation and consultation to TAT’s leadership and team.

Doug Estrada
Chair
Walmart

Elisabeth Barna
EAB Strategies

Kristin M. Beck
Holcim U.S.

Joy Friedman
The Missing Peace

Kellylynn McLaughlin
Professional Driver
FMCSA Women of Trucking Advisory Board Member

Candice Shaw
Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre

Harneet Sihota
Kam-Way Transportation, Inc.

Whilna Stewart Franklin
UPS Canada

Arian Taylor
Ballard Inc.