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The National Industrial Transportation League (www.nitl.org) has named John Ficker president of the 96-year-old shippers group. Ficker, a 33-year veteran of the transportation industry, had been logistics development manager for Weyerhaeuser Co. He succeeds Peter Gatti, who had served as interim head of the organization since March 2003, when long-time president Ed Emmett retired. Gatti will continue to serve NIT League, in a role yet to be defined.

Richard DiStasio has been named president and CEO of USF Corp. (www.usfc.com), a network of regional trucking companies. He previously was president and CEO of The Martin-Brower Co., a distribution services company, and managed distribution and truck fleet operations for McDonald’s worldwide restaurant chain.

Chiquita Brands International Inc. (www.chiquita.com), a producer and distributor of fresh and processed foods, has promoted Jeffrey Brown to senior vice president of global supply chain operations for its Chiquita Fresh Group. He previously served as vice president of global logistics for the same division.

James Andrasick has been named president and CEO of Matson Navigation Co. Inc. (www.matson.com), a provider of ocean transportation services. He had served in that capacity on an interim basis since July 2002.

Jeremy Coote has been named president of Manugistics Group Inc. (www.manugistics.com), a provider of supply chain solutions. He previously served as general manager of Siebel North America and president of SAP Americas. He replaces Richard Bergmann, who resigned last fall. Coote will report to chairman and CEO Greg Owens.

LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. (www.leapfrog.com), a developer of educational products, has named Fred Forsyth chief operating officer. He will oversee the company’s worldwide manufacturing and logistics, as well as product development and engineering. He was previously president and CEO of NewRoads Inc.

Edward Buksas has been named vice president of operations and supply chain management for SRI/Surgical Express Inc. (www.surgicalexpress.com), a provider of surgical instruments and healthcare services. He was previously a vice president and general manager at Allegiance Healthcare.

Datatrac Corp. (www.dtrac.com), a developer of wireless solutions for the express delivery industry, has named Dennis Hogue CEO. He previously was president and CEO of Mercari Technologies. Craig Lotz will retain his role as president.

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