The key qualities of leaders today involve balancing empathy with accountability, said David Howry. “Successful leaders embrace the principles of servant leadership by guiding their teams from behind, offering learning opportunities and focusing on removing obstacles to facilitate individual growth,” said Howry. “They prioritize serving others, empowering team members and fostering a collaborative environment.”
These attributes have served Howry well as the chief human resources officer of Holt Logistics. From port, to warehouse, to final destination, Holt Logistics provides importers and exporters with a vertically integrated supply chain solution. As a family-owned business, the company is a single-source service provider of commercial, accounting, marketing, and technology services to marine terminal operators, warehouses and logistics companies.
Since he was named a Titan 100 last year, Howry said his greatest accomplishment was spearheading the reimplementation of an inefficient human resources information and payroll system, consolidating nine disparate companies into a unified platform. He initiated an educational campaign with the executive leadership team, clarifying the purpose and benefits of the system in effectively managing employees.
Howry has also been an engaged member of the Human Resources Executive Alliance Group where he collaborated with leading HR executives in Philadelphia to share best practices. He was also an active participant in the Human Resources Executive Dinner Club and the Philadelphia CHRO Community, fostering ongoing collaboration and partnership among HR leaders.
Recognizing the significance of patience in effecting organizational change, Howry found himself drawn to the challenge of devising thorough strategies and executing them effectively in the past year. “As a highly action-oriented leader, I confront the need to temper my pace to align with the organization’s readiness for change,” he said. “Embracing a deliberate approach, allowing for gradual socialization and adoption of change, proves invaluable in facilitating swift implementation and training when the time comes.”
As a leader, Howry is a firm believer in fostering a servant leadership model both in personal and professional communities. “Embracing this approach means consistently asking oneself, ‘What can I do to support the success of the next generation of leaders?’” he said. “For me, living by the Golden Rule – treating others as I would want to be treated – is fundamental to this philosophy and I put this belief into action through various avenues.”
Howry is a volunteer for a program aiding disadvantaged youth in North Philadelphia, serves as an elder in his church and volunteers at local senior living facilities. “In all these endeavors, I find the true meaning of impact,” he said.
