Holman Logistics Taps Legal Expert to Lead People Strategy

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – March 02, 2026 – Holman Logistics, a supply chain provider with roots stretching back to 1864, has appointed seasoned human resources executive and employment attorney Laurie Johnston as its new Vice President, People Support. The move signals a strategic focus on fortifying its workforce strategy as the company navigates sustained growth and the complex labor dynamics of the modern logistics industry.

Johnston will report to President and COO Mike Gardner and will be responsible for the company's entire people strategy. Her purview includes talent acquisition, employee engagement, leadership development, and shaping the organizational culture for a company that has been a fixture in the logistics space for over 160 years.

A Strategic Hire for a Complex Landscape

Johnston’s appointment is notable for the rare dual expertise she brings to the role. With 24 years of experience, her career is uniquely balanced between high-level HR leadership and deep practice in employment law. This combination is increasingly seen as a critical asset in the heavily regulated and labor-intensive logistics sector.

Before joining Holman, Johnston served as Chief People Officer at both Shape Technologies Group, a global manufacturing organization with over 1,300 employees, and Astrix Technology, LLC. She also held the role of Vice President of Human Resources at SK Food Group, Inc. However, it is her foundational experience in law that sets her apart. Johnston was a Partner at Gordon & Rees LLP and a Senior Associate at Jackson Lewis PC, two of the nation's most respected labor and employment law firms. This legal background provides her with an intricate understanding of compliance, risk management, and employee relations that few HR leaders possess.

This strategic blend of skills is becoming a hallmark of forward-thinking logistics companies. Competitors like Ryder System have similarly placed executives with strong legal backgrounds in their top HR roles, acknowledging that navigating wage laws, workplace safety standards, and labor relations is as crucial as optimizing supply chains. Johnston's expertise is expected to provide Holman with a significant advantage in proactive risk mitigation and building a legally sound, equitable workplace culture.

Navigating the Supply Chain Talent Crisis

The appointment comes at a critical time for the logistics industry, which is grappling with a severe talent crunch. The sector faces significant challenges in attracting and retaining skilled labor, with the warehousing sub-sector experiencing an average employee turnover rate of over 46%, according to industry reports. Factors such as long hours, physically demanding work, and a widening skills gap for technology-enabled roles have created a highly competitive environment for talent.

Johnston's role will be central to addressing these industry-wide headwinds. Her leadership in talent acquisition and development is pivotal as Holman seeks to secure and cultivate the workforce needed to support its growth trajectory. The company, recognized as a Top 100 3PL Provider by Inbound Logistics for ten consecutive years, has been expanding its footprint, including a recent relocation to a larger distribution center in Spanaway, Washington, to accommodate new and existing customer growth.

In this context, Johnston is tasked with building robust programs for employee engagement and retention. This involves not only competitive compensation but also creating clear career paths, fostering a positive work environment, and implementing upskilling initiatives to ensure the workforce can adapt to technological advancements sweeping the industry.

A People-First Future Fueled by Technology

Holman's leadership has consistently emphasized a "people-first" culture, and Johnston's appointment is a clear investment in that philosophy. President and COO Mike Gardner highlighted this in the company's announcement.

"Laurie is exactly the kind of leader we were looking for to help us build on the strong culture that has always been at the heart of Holman Logistics," Gardner stated. "She brings a rare combination of strategic HR leadership, operational rigor, and deep legal expertise. As we continue to grow, having someone of Laurie's caliber leading our people strategy gives us tremendous confidence in the future of this organization."

This focus on people is intertwined with Holman's commitment to innovation. The company has actively integrated technology to enhance efficiency and safety, from partnering with OneTrack.AI for AI-driven lift truck safety systems to establishing Holman Logistics Ventures LLC. This venture arm recently invested in Fulfilld, an AI and machine learning platform designed to optimize warehouse operations. Johnston's role will be crucial in managing the human side of this digital transformation, ensuring that employees are supported through training and that technology adoption enhances, rather than disrupts, the workplace culture.

Johnston holds a Juris Doctor from Creighton University and is currently pursuing a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University – Global. Her credentials, including SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications and a Washington State Bar License, reflect a deep commitment to the highest standards of the human resources profession, positioning her to lead Holman's workforce into its next chapter of growth and innovation.