The transformation of an organization often starts with systems, but its true success is shaped by people. At Holt Logistics Corp., David Howry has made it his mission to unify both. As chief human resources officer, he stepped into a company where foundational HR practices had been underdeveloped and turned it into a dynamic force centered on culture, development and strategic alignment.
When Howry arrived, the HR and people team was a modest operation of four. Through clear vision and sustained effort, he built a fully integrated department of 25, complete with specialized functions like talent acquisition, employee relations and HR operations. This deliberate expansion was not just about headcount—it was about building infrastructure that empowered the company’s workforce and aligned with Holt Logistics’ evolving business goals.
His focus has been consistent: create scalable systems that serve both the individual and the enterprise. From designing training programs to implementing progressive policies, Howry’s work has touched every level of the organization. He saw that to sustain growth, Holt Logistics needed more than just logistics expertise—it needed a culture that could attract, retain and elevate its talent.
That clarity of purpose has made Howry a leader who not only solves operational problems but anticipates future needs. He places high value on empathy in leadership, using it as a framework for decision-making and development. It’s this approach that helped shift Holt Logistics’ workplace culture to one that prioritizes service, collaboration and accountability.
Recognition in the Titan 100 Hall of Fame reflects not just his results, but the way he achieved them. Howry hasn’t relied on broad mandates or top-down directives. Instead, he listens. He gathers insights, reads between the lines of data and conversation, and responds with strategies that reflect both business acumen and emotional intelligence.
He envisions a future where Holt Logistics becomes a premier employer in its sector—not just for its operations, but for its people-first ethos. That means developing next-generation leadership programs, expanding wellness initiatives and embedding DEI into every layer of the organization. These aren’t side projects; they are central to his HR strategy.
His long-term goal is to foster an organization where employees feel seen, heard and empowered to lead from wherever they sit. Howry understands that a thriving workforce is the key to any company’s competitive edge. His work ensures Holt Logistics is not only efficient but human-centric, a place where values are lived daily.
What he aims to leave behind is a structure that endures—an HR function that drives business value and strengthens culture long after his chapter has closed. He wants future leaders to have more tools, more support and more clarity than he did coming up.
For those stepping into leadership, Howry believes in mastering the human element: listen deeply, lead decisively and never lose sight of the people powering the mission. Through his quiet resolve and commitment to holistic success, he exemplifies what it means to lead as a Titan of industry.
