Leadership

John Edmunds, Founder and CEO of Hillcrest, started his career in the transportation industry as a driver for an independent logging trucking company and CXpress Trucking. He later joined Batesville Casket Company, where he transitioned from driving to managing the warehouse and overseeing all drivers. Drawing from these experiences,

John founded Hillcrest in 2001 with a single truck and has since guided its expansion into a fleet that operates across the U.S. and Canada. As CEO, John remains dedicated to driving Hillcrest’s growth and ensuring the company's continued success in the transportation industry.

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With decades of experience in the transportation industry, Al Valdrighi has held key roles at companies such as Cummins, SuperValu, Tignor Trucking, TankWash, and Oakley Tank Lines before joining Hillcrest in 2009. As Terminal Manager, Al works closely with the Operations team to ensure that Hillcrest's motto, “customers and drivers are priority one,” is upheld every day. He leads by example, dedicating himself and his team to completing tasks efficiently, safely, and on time.

Al has been a licensed and certified tank inspector since 1994, bringing a wealth of expertise to his role.

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Jay Edmunds joined Hillcrest in 2015, contributing his knowledge in technology, fuel management, sales, and operations to enhance Hillcrest’s efficiency and service quality. With prior experience in mechanic shops and fuel management roles, Jay’s expertise in transportation technology, equipment, and fuel management is a vital asset to the company.

Outside the office, Jay enjoys spending time with family and friends, weightlifting, and
playing golf.

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Terry Barfield brings a wealth of experience to his role as Safety Director at Hillcrest, drawing from a diverse background that spans several industries. Before joining Hillcrest, Terry worked with the Petersburg Rescue Squad and Fire Department as a firefighter, served as a cardiac technician for the State of Virginia, and held roles as assistant manager at Batesville Casket Company and heavy equipment operator at Chaparral Steel.

At Hillcrest, Terry focuses on ensuring that all operations are carried out in the safest and most efficient manner. His approach emphasizes education and training to prevent accidents, and he is committed to addressing safety concerns immediately to maintain a secure working environment. His efforts have resulted in only two workman’s compensation claims in the past 16 years.

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With over 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, including 20 years at Hillcrest, Noel Mabie is a seasoned professional specializing in transportation logistics. At Hillcrest, Noel takes on a variety of responsibilities, managing everything from intermodal and van freight to serving as the Responsible Care Coordinator.

When she's not at work, Noel enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, following Atlanta Braves baseball, and reading.

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With 15 years of transportation industry experience – all at Hillcrest - Calvin Potts brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. Before joining Hillcrest, Calvin honed his skills in warehouse inventory and logistics, laying a strong foundation for his career in transportation.

As the director of bulk operations, Calvin’s responsibilities are dispatching drivers, managing trailer accountability, and coordinating the acceptance of new orders. His deep understanding of logistics ensures the seamless operation of Hillcrest's bulk transportation services.

When he’s not managing operations, Calvin enjoys hitting the golf course, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and spending time hunting in the great outdoors.

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Kevin Fee brings 26 years of transportation industry experience to his role as Director of Business Development at Hillcrest, where he has been for one year. His extensive background includes chemical distribution, logistics procurement, plant management, and supply chain management, making him a key driver of business growth for Hillcrest's brokerage and transportation services.

Kevin's expertise lies in liquid bulk transportation, and he holds certifications in Black Belt Lean Six Sigma, ISO Quality Control, regulatory compliance, safety, procurement, and negotiations.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys sports, traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with his family.

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Thomas A. Puryear, Jr. brings 38 years as a partner with a Top 400 CPA firm, including 20 years of experience working with clients in the transportation industry, to his role as Chief Financial Officer at Hillcrest, where he has served for one year. Tom is responsible for tax and financial planning and reporting, ensuring the company’s fiscal health and strategic growth.

He holds certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Outside of work, Tom enjoys exercising and traveling.

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