Katie Freeman is a transformative leader in the transportation industry whose career reflects a blend of strategic insight, operational excellence and a deep commitment to innovation. As director of fleet compliance at Synagro Technologies Inc., she has led initiatives that have significantly improved fleet operations, reduced costs and enhanced overall efficiency. Her work has had a lasting impact on the company’s transportation strategies, with a focus on safety, sustainability and long-term performance.
Ms. Freeman earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bridgewater College. Her academic background has provided her with a strong understanding of human behavior, communication and relationship management—skills that have been essential throughout her diverse professional journey. She also holds a human resources generalist certification from HRCertification.com Seminars LLC, which supported her transition into human resources roles and expanded her expertise in organizational development.
Ms. Freeman began her career at Synagro as a supply chain coordinator, where she developed a solid foundation in logistics and procurement. Her effectiveness in that role led to her promotion to procurement specialist, where she further refined her skills in vendor negotiation, inventory management and supply chain optimization. Her early work demonstrated a talent for solving problems and improving systems, traits that would carry through every stage of her advancement.
Recognizing her ability to connect with people and support organizational goals, Ms. Freeman later transitioned into human resources. She first served as a recruiter, generalist, where she led recruitment efforts and managed employee relations. Her success in that role earned her a promotion to senior recruiter, generalist, with a particular focus on Department of Transportation-related hiring. One of her most impactful accomplishments during this time was the creation of a company driving school, which provided employees with training opportunities to become certified drivers—a program that strengthened internal mobility and improved workforce retention.
Ms. Freeman’s career shifted toward transportation management when she accepted a leadership role in the department. Although she was initially uncertain about leaving human resources, her experience in logistics and transportation made her well-suited to guide the team through operational changes. Her appointment as director of fleet compliance marked a turning point in the company’s transportation operations. In this role, she introduced a number of reforms, most notably the full integration of the vehicle maintenance program. By bringing maintenance operations in-house, she achieved significant cost savings, improved scheduling and boosted fuel efficiency. Her ability to communicate the long-term value of these changes through data-driven presentations was key to gaining executive support.
Outside of her work at Synagro, Ms. Freeman is active in industry organizations such as Women in Motion and the American Transportation Association. These affiliations reflect her dedication to shaping the future of transportation and supporting the advancement of professionals within the field.
Ms. Freeman envisions a future where transportation is recognized not only for its logistical importance but also for its contributions to economic and agricultural systems. Her goal is to lead improvements that make transportation more efficient, accessible and sustainable. Through her leadership, she continues to challenge outdated perceptions and champion the innovations that will define the next generation of transportation.