Centurion Management

Board Members

Vicki Shafer

Owner and Chairman

Ms. Shafer joined the Centurion executive team in 1981. During her 29 years, Vicki Shafer contributed to the business development of Centurion. As an effective team leader and her diligent work as a team player, Vicki has provided the required direction and goals for this organization’s business operations. She has received numerous awards for her achievements in fundraising for many charitable organizations, including the highly acclaimed Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award.

Charles McGarity

Vice Chairman

Prior to his appointment as Vice Chairmen, Charles served in many capacities over his 25 years career at Centurion. Now as a principal at Centurion, Mr. McGarity is responsible for the direction and structure of the company’s assets. His experiences in all aspects of the industry have provided valuable insight into the day-to-day challenges facing auto transport drivers. 

Executive Team

Rick Ingram

President and CEO

Rick joined Centurion in 2010 to lead the Company reorganization and has returned profitability and long-term success.  As our CFO, Rick has purchased equipment and built a talented leadership team. He was appointed as President and CEO in 2014, and has continued to lead by example with personal accountability and a safety culture as the cornerstones.  Before joining Centurion, Rick worked as a CFO in both private and publicly held companies for over 19 years. He is a CPA and holds accounting degree from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. Upon graduation, Rick spent his first seven years in public accounting. He started out with the Big Four CPA firm Deloitte & Touche and then joined the fifth largest CPA firm in the country, RSM McGladrey where he was promoted to Manager.

Dean Pearson

Chief Operating Officer

Dean Pearson is the Chief Operating Officer at Centurion Auto Logistics. He has dedicated over 25 years in the auto industry with 20 years specific to auto transportation overseeing fleets of more than 300 drivers.  Dean has a unique ability to connect with auto transport drivers thanks to his experiences as a fleet owner and driver prior to joining the Centurion Auto Logistics management team.  Dean has a BA from the University of South Florida, but remains loyal to his northern roots supporting The Ohio State Buckeyes.  In addition to his dedication of improving operational efficiencies, Dean is committed to using the latest technologies to gain competitive advantages in the transportation industry.  Dean resides in St. Johns, FL with his wife and four children. 

Directors

Dave Kluge

Director of Maintenance

Dave has over 41 years of experience in the transportation industry. His grass roots approach started with his work as a Diesel Technician and having earned respect as a leader through proficiency and trust. Dave specializes in change management.  His leadership has advanced Centurion Fleet Maintenance into a leadership position within the auto transportation industry.  Dave has accomplished this through training, programs, and various initiatives. 

 

Kevin Slater

Safety Director

Kevin responsible for developing and embracing a “Safety First” culture at Centurion.

 

Sonila Daragjati

Human Resource Director

Sonila holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Florida.  She has over 13 years of progressive HR experience within hospitality, manufacturing and the logistics industries.  Sonila has also participated in additional training in Labor and Employment Laws as well as OSHA.  Sonila is a member of the North Florida Safety Council and fluently speaks English, Albanian, and Italian languages.  Her diverse background has brought the required support to our work force.  She continues to push for change while providing innovative approach to development.

 

Venus Soto

Controller

Venus holds both BA and MBA in Finance from Pace University and Manhattan College, respectively. She is also certified in cash management and has held various positions in Finance and Accounting.  During her career, Venus has developed proven strategies effective for Centurion’s development. She brings tremendous knowledge and practices to Centurion that offer results in cost savings, improved controls, automation, and improved work flow efficiencies.