Rising Through Determination: The Story of Alyssa Fowler

When people meet Alyssa Fowler, they often notice her calm energy first. That steady presence has carried her from an entry-level role in truck operations to Freight Operations  Assistant Manager at Mercer Transportation. This year, Mercer was named the FedEx 2025 Exceptional Power Only Carrier, a recognition that mirrors Alyssa’s own rise — proof that dedication, teamwork, and persistence lead to success.

Before Mercer, Alyssa worked in a call center troubleshooting internet issues. Most calls began with frustration, and the environment was demanding. The transition into truck operations at Mercer felt like stepping into a completely different world. She found herself talking with drivers daily, building relationships, and solving real problems with real people.

“I loved it,” Alyssa said. “Every day was different. I liked that challenge.”

It was the kind of work that rewarded effort and focus. It also opened Alyssa’s eyes to the possibilities of growth.

Early in her career, Alyssa often joked about one day taking her manager’s job. Behind the humor was determination. She learned quickly, took on extra tasks, and made herself available when challenges arose.

Her persistence did not go unnoticed. She became a team leader, and after years of proving herself through long hours and consistent results, she earned the role of Freight Operations Assistant Manager.

“I felt accomplished,” she recalled. “It was proof that I could reach the goals I set.”

Branden Harper, Director of Freight and Brokerage Operations, has seen that steady climb firsthand. “Alyssa Fowler has grown from Truck Coordinator to Assistant Freight Manager by bringing dedication and leadership to every role. Her past experience and steady growth now shine through in how she supports our teams in communication, operations, and administrative success.”

Alyssa describes her leadership style as calm and efficient. She prefers to stay steady when challenges arise, guiding her team with a level head. She leans on her past experiences to use communication to strengthen the relationships between departments. 

Keith Tucker, Van Operations Manager, credits her with making a difference. “Since she’s taken over Freight Operations, she’s been an instrumental part in bridging the gap between Freight Operations and Truck Operations. She frequently comes over to talk about customers and trailers. It’s never an issue. She’s always pleasant and a pleasure to work with.”

Her colleagues see her as more than just a manager. They see someone who works side by side with them to get the job done right.

While Alyssa’s focus is on her team, their work has earned broader recognition. This year, Mercer was named the FedEx 2025 Exceptional Power Only Carrier, one of the highest honors in the trucking industry.

Amanda Brown, Agent Relations, credits Alyssa with helping secure the award. “She kept in contact with both the agents and the FedEx team and handled any issues that came up quickly and smoothly. Her reliability, attention to detail, and dedication really helped everything run without a hitch.”

For Alyssa, the recognition was gratifying, but it also demonstrated something larger. It showed what can happen when people work together and put service first.

Outside of Mercer, Alyssa is a mother of two, raising her daughter Skyler and son Asher. Family is central to who she is, and those closest to her know how much she treasures that role. Whether it is celebrating Easter, visiting the zoo, or taking Asher on his first beach trip, she embraces the time she has with her children.

Vacation memories in the Dominican Republic remain some of her favorite. For Alyssa, these moments are not separate from her career but part of the same story. She works hard at Mercer not only to grow professionally but also to provide for the family she loves.

Her balance of leadership at work and commitment at home reflects the kind of authenticity that resonates with her colleagues. She is able to apply the gentle grit she has developed as a mother to her leadership role, inspiring those around her to excel in their own way.

Alyssa has never hidden who she is. Tattoos and piercings are part of her identity, and she carries them with pride. In her view, professionalism is about how you treat people and how well you perform your job, not how you look.

“I’ve always tried to break stereotypes by treating people with kindness,” she said. “At the end of the day, what matters is how well you do your job and how you treat others.”

That authenticity has helped her connect with drivers, many of whom she still keeps in touch with even after they have moved on.

As for the future, Alyssa has set her sights on continuing to rise. Her next goal is to step into a manager role, guiding her team and shaping the department as Mercer grows. She is excited to see how the company evolves, and she looks forward to being part of that growth.

“I’ve always wanted to be a manager,” she said. “I like having a reliable team and growing a department.”

From a call center headset to Mercer’s leadership team, Alyssa Fowler’s story is one of perseverance, tenacity, and rising to the top. She has proven that hard work, authenticity, and dedication can carry someone far, no matter where they start.

As Alyssa put it simply, “Mercer is just one big family.” And for her, family, at work and at home, is what makes the journey worthwhile.