An accomplished executive in the transportation industry, Kelly Perkins is director of finance and marketing for Centre State International Trucks Inc. (CSIT) and director of leasing and rental for Centre State Idealease LLC. As a key team member for downstate Illinois’ preeminent dealer for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, she leads the execution of the corporation’s strategic plan, while overseeing the management of more than $2 million of equipment owned by its leasing company. She also serves as president and CEO of River Valley Transportation Services Inc., which provides payroll and benefits services to CSIT’s Iowa employees.
With her marketing and business acumen, Perkins has helped CSIT thrive in unusual market conditions, accomplishing its sales and cash management goals in spite of an economic downturn. A member of the board of directors, she has helped improve customer leads, sales and closings, and jumpstarted an internal quality improvement initiative to increase customer retention and satisfaction. In addition, Perkins recently established a new business, Monarch International LLC, which leverages her inspiration to create employment opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses.
Active at her son’s school, Perkins is vice president of the St. Philomena Parent Teacher Organization, editor-in-chief of the PTO newsletter, and underwriting chairperson for its annual auction. She is also instrumental in organizing philanthropy outreach activities at CSIT, supporting organizations like WTVP, the American Red Cross, Children’s Hospital of Illinois, Easter Seals, South Side Mission and the Heart of Illinois United Way.
Perkins holds an MBA from the University of Illinois and is a member of the Women in Trucking Association and National Association of Professional Women, as well as a past member of the Transportation Club of Peoria and Women in Leadership of Central Illinois. She has received Idealease’s President’s Club Award multiple times, and was integral in CSIT’s achievement of Navistar’s Circle of Excellence Award and Idealease’s attainment of the Idealgold recognition. A devoted mother, she resides in Peoria with her son, Jonah. iBi
