Lemont, ILL, Aug. 24, 2026 – Addison resident Kelsey Muruato, Manager of Business Development, Mark-It Express, was named a recipient of this year’s Women in Supply Chain Forum™ Award in the Rising Stars category. Mark-It Express is the Midwest’s largest, independent asset-based drayage provider.
This award, which honors women supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network, is presented by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive.
Kelsey was recognized for excellence in driving business growth, leading industry initiatives, and creating meaningful impact within both the transportation industry and her community.
“One of Kelsey’s most notable qualities is her unique ability to bridge business development, operations, industry leadership, and community impact. While many professionals excel in one area, she has built a career by successfully connecting all four,” says Tony Apa, Mark-It Express’ Founder and CEO.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, she has become a respected industry leader through her service with the Intermodal Association of Chicago, where she currently serves as president. Through this role, she champions industry engagement, mentors emerging professionals and provides strategic direction. One of her proudest achievements has been growing the association’s Student Scholarship Program and coordinating its annual blood drives.
Her supervisor, Director of Business Development, Matt Belanus, adds, “Kelsey has a fearlessness, an intangible that can’t be taught, that makes her remarkable in business development. She walks into rooms and builds relationships. She sees problems and builds solutions.”
“This award isn’t just a way to honor women in the supply chain. It’s a representation of progress, it’s a symbol of growth, and it’s a way to celebrate achievements of all women in the supply chain who continue to pave the way for the next generation,” says Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive and co-founder of the Women in Supply Chain Forum™. “Of the 300-plus submissions received, 70 of them were self-submissions, the highest number of self-nominated applications ever in the history of this award. And, 44 of the submissions received were from male counterparts, also the highest number of male-submitted applications to date.”
Winners will be honored at the 2026 Women in Supply Chain Forum™, Nov. 17-19 in Charleston, S.C. Go to https://www.WomenInSupplyChainForum.com/ to learn more.
About Mark-It Express Logistics, LLC
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Lemont, Illinois, Mark-It Express Logistics, LLC is the Midwest’s largest independent, asset-based intermodal drayage provider. Independently owned and debt-free, the company operates a fleet of 200+ power units and 500+ chassis across five terminal locations in Chicago, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Detroit, and Channahon. Mark-It Express partners with beneficial cargo owners (BCOs), NVOCCs, freight forwarders, ocean carriers, and large brokerages and 3PLs, offering a consultative approach, 24/7 support, real-time tracking, and customized reporting to increase supply chain efficiency and profitability. For more information, visit mark-itexpress.com.
About Food Logistics
Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Food Logistics also operates the Women in Supply Chain Forum™ and owns the Rock Stars of the Supply Chain, Top Tech Startup and Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers awards. Go to www.FoodLogistics.com to learn more.
About Supply & Demand Chain Executive
Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Supply & Demand Chain Executive also operates the Women in Supply Chain Forum™ and owns the Pros to Know and Top Tech Startup awards. Go to www.SDCExec.com to learn more.
About Women in Supply Chain Forum™The Women in Supply Chain Forum™ is an in-person education, networking and mentorship conference designed to provide support and community to females in the supply chain space. This year’s Forum will take place Nov. 17-19 in Charleston, S.C. Go to https://www.WomenInSupplyChainForum.com/ to learn more.