Experienced HR leader brings more than 15 years of experience building high-performing teams, supporting organizational growth and aligning people strategy with business objectives
Madison, Wis. – September 9, 2026 – Big Joe Forklifts, a leading North American provider of integrated lithium-ion forklifts, warehouse equipment and autonomous material handling solutions, today announced the appointment of Kelly Stewart as Vice President of Human Resources. In her new role, Stewart will lead Big Joe’s human resources strategy, supporting the company’s continued growth while strengthening its focus on its people, culture and organizational development.
Stewart brings more than 15 years of human resources experience spanning manufacturing, healthcare and consulting, including work with nonprofit organizations and startups across a variety of industries. Most recently, she spent nearly nine years in healthcare focused on cancer diagnostics, where she developed extensive experience supporting organizations through growth and change.
“People are at the heart of everything we do at Big Joe, and bringing Kelly onto our leadership team strengthens our ability to invest in our employees and our future,” said Dan Rosskamm, president and CEO of Big Joe Forklifts. “Her combination of HR expertise, business acumen and experience helping organizations scale makes her an excellent addition to Big Joe. We’re excited to have her help us build on our strong culture and position our team for continued success.”
Throughout her career, Stewart has demonstrated a proven ability to build strong leadership teams, scale organizations for long-term success, and approach human resources as a strategic business partner. Her experience will support Big Joe as the company continues to expand its capabilities and advance its position in the evolving material handling industry.
As Vice President of Human Resources, Stewart will work closely with Big Joe’s leadership team to develop and execute people-focused strategies that support the company’s business objectives, build strong leadership and create opportunities for employees to grow alongside the organization.
“I’m excited to join Big Joe at such an important point in the company’s history and growth,” said Stewart. “I look forward to partnering with the leadership team and employees to build on the strong foundation already in place, strengthen and evolve the organization as we continue to grow, and ensure our people and culture remain a competitive advantage. I’m energized by the opportunity to help create an environment where employees can do their best work and drive the organization’s continued success.”
Stewart’s appointment comes as Big Joe celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026, marking three-quarters of a century of innovation, partnership, and progress in material handling. Founded in 1951, Big Joe has evolved from a Midwest manufacturer into a leading provider of integrated lithium-ion forklifts, warehouse equipment and autonomous material handling solutions.
TAGS: