Leadership
Priority1 Leadership
We know that inspirational leadership is the backbone needed to help our Agents and employees meet customers’ expectations. The Leadership team at Priority1 uses its experience in logistics to drive growth and innovation across the industry. Meet the team below to learn more about our foundation for ultimate success.
Dan Berardi
Chief Executive Officer
Dan oversees the growth, culture, and direction of Priority1, establishing us as one of the fastest-growing 3PLs in the nation. Dan’s leadership has been invaluable in creating a distinct company culture and meaningful relationships with employees, carrier partners, and Agents during his tenure. He leads under a simple philosophy: combine incredibly talented, motivated, and diverse people with remarkable technology to disrupt the transportation space. Before joining Priority1, Dan worked at a Fortune 500 Telecom with positions in Human Resources, executive retail and business sales, retail strategy, sales operations, and call centers. Dan is an advisory board member for Chaine and a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. Dan attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he currently sits as an advisory board member for the School of Business. In addition to spending his free time with his family, Dan enjoys exercising, traveling, golfing, and CrossFit.
Brady Moore
Chief Financial Officer
With over 15 years of experience in finance, in his role as Chief Financial Officer at Priority1, Brady oversees all operations of the Financial Departments, Collections Department, and KAR Management Department. Over the past eight years, Brady has served as the head of multiple financial divisions at FedEx, Central Transport, and Beelman Company. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Louisiana Tech University. In addition to his experience in executive finance, Brady has over thirty years of transportation and supply chain experience with a specialization in LTL freight. His passions include college football, especially the SEC, golfing, and other outdoor activities. He particularly enjoys traveling, and his preferred destination is any beachside location.
Phillip Scholtes
Chief Technology Officer
As Chief Technology Officer, Phil built a network of IT professionals dedicated to supporting Priority1 and plans to continue its expansion in the upcoming years. Phil and his team invested three years into creating our innovative TMS, Cabo, with logistics professionals at the forefront of development. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration concentrated in Information Systems from the University of Arkansas. His specialty is in full-stack development, primarily focused on Microsoft web-based and cloud technologies. Phil enjoys playing tennis and spending quality time with his wife and two sons.
Omar Alami
Executive Vice-President of Business Development
Omar works closely with Priority1’s extensive network of Agent Partners under the title of Executive Vice-President of Business Development. Omar has worked diligently with Priority1 over the past six years to influence back-office culture, develop seamless networking between Agents, and grow his team to their furthest potential. His background includes international work experience and a degree in Finance from Metro State University in Denver. With over nine years in the freight industry collaborating with Agents, Omar has a passion for inspiring his team daily and influencing exceptional results. Over a period of several years, Omar also helped establish and further expand the independent contractor model within the company. He enjoys golfing and spending quality time with his family.
Chris Olsen
Senior Vice-President of North American Operations
As the Senior Vice-President of North American Operations, Chris supervises a vast array of multiple moving parts, including managing Priority1’s experienced Dry Van, Expedited, Flatbed, Temperature Control, Cross Border, Drayage, and Freight Management Departments. Chris has an extensive background in transportation with over a decade of experience in multiple modes. He plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the Truckload Department and looks forward to continuing the division’s growth. Before joining Priorirty1 over six years ago, Chris graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts. He was also a member of the University of Virginia football team, dubbed team captain in 2006, and held a position on the Athletic Directors Leadership Council. He enjoys golfing with his wife and spending time with their three dogs: Quinn, Tex and Bounty.
Zach Kyle
Executive Vice-President of Sales
Over the last six years, Zach has strived for consistent growth, writing down clear and defined goals for the day, week, month, and year, so he can approach each day with a purpose. As the Executive Vice-President of Sales, he leads by example and, in doing so, plans to continue the development of TeamZK, the most significant Direct Sales Channel inside of Priority1. Zach earned a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the University of Oklahoma. After completing his higher education, he relocated from Oklahoma to Southern California, seeking a palm tree lifestyle. He spent 8 ½ years as an Account Executive and Senior Account Executive in Orange County, CA, and a Regional Sales Manager in Salt Lake City, UT, and Seattle, WA. Zach and his family enjoy CrossFit, dance, gymnastics, and swimming.
Prentice O'Guinn
Senior Vice-President of Inside Sales
As Senior Vice President of Inside Sales, Prentice oversees the success of all our Inside Sales teams. Prentice brought with him over two decades of transformational leadership in the telecom industry. He is a proud HBCU Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Philander Smith College, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp. Prentice is the proud father of three boys and two girls, who keep him active with baseball, soccer, track, swimming, and cheer. Prentice loves to travel with his family, especially anywhere that has a nice golf course. He is vital to the Priority1 team and is a servant leader who will champion our Priority1 culture.
Brett Loney
Vice-President of Digital Sales
As the Vice President of Digital, Brett is responsible for driving the success of Priority1’s online initiatives, overseeing all media channels and paid performance while fostering the growth of his sales and marketing team. With a rich background in digital marketing, Brett brings extensive experience to the Priority1 leadership team. Before joining Priority1, Brett played pivotal roles in various sectors, including leading performance marketing for a prominent private equity firm’s portfolio and steering numerous startup ventures. Deep expertise in paid digital advertising having managed hundreds of millions of dollars in media spend and billions of dollars in measurable revenue in return. He has over a decade of experience leading digital-first teams, developing innovative strategies, and maximizing returns on digital investments. He enjoys boxing, crossfit and bachelor life in Scottsdale, Arizona.
John Sarlo
Senior Vice-President of Sales
While serving as Senior Vice-President Of Sales, John has contributed to Priority1’s success by encouraging the growth of his sales team and keeping client needs at the forefront. Before joining the team eight years ago, John began his career with The Custom Companies where he worked as a Territory Manager from 2006 to 2011. John secured an extensive background in multiple modes of transportation and fine-tuned his sales skills in National LTL, Truckload, Intermodal, Expedited, and Airfreight Services. He attended Michigan State University and still cheers for the Spartans in everything Big Ten-related. A native Chicagoan, John spends his free time with family and friends, traveling, and perfecting his golf swing. He also has a passion for philanthropy, including his support for Toys for Tots, Special Olympics, and local food drivers.
Wendy Brightwell
Senior Vice-President of Talent Strategy & Marketing
As Senior Vice-President of Talent Strategy & Marketing at Priority1, Wendy’s passion stems from identifying and recruiting the best possible talent for the company. While speaking on behalf of Priority1’s stellar office culture and ultimate growth potential, she also manages many additional tasks. Including directing all things talent-related—staffing and recruiting for all of Priority1’s teams—she assists in the growth of the Agent network while also overseeing marketing and training. Wendy has been a part of the P1 team for over six years. She attended Arizona State University and has more than ten years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry. As a resident of sunny Arizona, Wendy enjoys hiking and running while spending time outside with her growing family, including her husband and two sons, who remain her pride and joy.
Chris Michaels
General Counsel & Vice-President of Employee Relations
As General Counsel and Vice-President of Employee Relations, Chris ensures Priority1’s distinctive culture is maintained and is responsible for providing legal advice, among other tasks. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Before joining Priority1, Chris was a Little Rock law firm partner specializing in commercial litigation. He acted as lead counsel in numerous state and federal court trials and argued appeals before the Arkansas Supreme Court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is also an active member of the Transportation Lawyers Association and the Association of Corporate Counsel. Chris, his wife, and their two daughters enjoy visiting New York and boating on the numerous lakes in Arkansas. He also appreciates vintage cars, playing golf, and is a life-long musician.
Jamala Thomas
Vice-President of People & Culture
Under Jamala’s role as Vice-President of People and Culture, she provides consultation for the smooth operation of Priorirty1’s Human Resources Department, including strategic staffing plans, benefits, and training and development. Jamala earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Webster University. She also holds a Senior Certified Certificate from the Society of Human Resource Management. Jamala is a veteran of the Arkansas National Guard, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., an associate of the Junior League of Little Rock, and a member of the Black HR Professionals Network of Little Rock. Jamala loves to travel, visit museums and historical landmarks, and spend time with her husband, their five daughters, and two dogs.