Brett Mears is the 2018-2019 IWLA vice chairman. He will take the reins of the chairmanship March 12 at the close of the 2019 IWLA Convention & Expo in Savannah, Ga.

Mears is president and managing partner of Palmer Logistics, a private third-party logistics provider and a fourth-generation family business based in Houston, Texas.  He has an extensive background in warehouse and transportation strategy, sales, and execution. He is past president and chairman of the Texas Warehouse Association, past president of the Houston Roundtable of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

Many years of IWLA service led to his election to the IWLA executive committee: He led the IWLA Warehouse Membership Retention Committee; helped steer the IWLA Chemical Council; is active in the government affairs outreach and the IWLA-PAC; and he is leading planning for the 2019 convention.

Palmer logistics is a progressive, customer-focused operation that has enjoyed 525 percent growth since the turn of the 21st century. Palmer Logistics provides asset-based warehouse and distribution solutions for all industries, with a particular focus on the chemical, food, and lumber segments. The company has 250 employees servicing 140 customers in 14 distribution centers throughout Texas.

Mears holds a business degree (with honors) from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to joining Palmer Logistics, he served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy.