Pace Safety Manager Glen McKinney has a rewarding job. “I take great pride in helping Pace build a stronger safety culture,” said Pace Safety Manager Glen McKinney. “One of the most rewarding parts of my role is coaching our operations teams on safety systems and programs while working closely with different teams across the company. I also value the opportunity to identify operational gaps and develop actionable plans that drive improvement.”
An 8-year veteran with Pace, Glen came to the company after a 33-year career at UPS. “My first position at Pace was as a Carrier Relations Manager working with and recruiting ICs supporting various customers. From there I moved into Recruiting and then moved to the Safety and Compliance Coordinator seat. In 2022 I became the Safety Coordinator, and then in May of 2024 I moved to the Safety Manager role.”
Pace’s Focus on Safety is on Multiple Fronts
Under Glen’s direction, Pace’s safety initiatives are directed toward:
- Safe work methods. Preventing slips and falls, operating powered equipment, lifting and loading, and detailed planning for specific job setups. Glen and the safety committee also emphasize spending time “planning for the unexpected.”
- HOS compliance.
- G.O.A.L. — “Get Out and Look.” Drivers are trained and required to be aware of blind spots, obstacles, traffic, and pedestrians, and to be extra observant in unfamiliar areas.
- Forklift pre-sort inspections. OSHA requirements to conduct a pre-use inspection prior to operating a forklift or other powered industrial truck (PIT) are taught and monitored.
- Fleet maintenance. Identifying and addressing mechanical issues proactively to avoid accidents. A combination of legally mandated driver inspections and proper service schedules for inspecting brakes, tires, and electrical systems supports full DOT compliance.
This year, Glen is leading a weekly campaign that helps Pace teams focus on the areas that have the biggest impact on the company’s safety culture. These campaigns keep safety visible and create ongoing engagement. Consistency is one of the biggest drivers of culture change. During this quarter he is implementing an OSHA self-audit for our Logistics Managers to use to help them identify areas for improvement when it comes to OSHA compliance.
Specific Areas of Safety Focus for Pace in 2026
- Visibility
- Consistency
- Accountability
- Frontline involvement
- Continuous Improvement
When asked what energizes him after a long day helping Pace team members and customers, Glen replied, “I get a charge out of turning problems into plans, coaching points, and clear communication. I feel a sense of satisfaction when I can help create stability and confidence for both teammates and customers through our safety program.”
Pace’s core value to serve relentlessly resonates strongly with Glen. “What I feel strongly about regarding being of service to others is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through support, consistency, and leadership,” he said. “Serving relentlessly means being dependable and willing to step in wherever needed to help team members and customers succeed. I take pride in helping create safer operations, clearer expectations, and solutions that make people’s jobs easier and more effective.”
“What motivates me most is knowing that the work I do can positively influence both people and performance. Seeing a team become more confident, engaged, and successful because of the support and structure we provide is extremely rewarding to me,” he concluded.
A topic as important as safety requires constant attention and a commitment to improvement. For Glen, each day is an opportunity to improve processes, communication, and overall performance. “Another of our core values here at Pace is to always improve. I believe improvement comes from being willing to evaluate what is working, identify gaps, and adjust before small issues become larger problems,” he said. “I try to stay proactive by learning from trends, feedback, and everyday operational challenges. I also believe continuous improvement involves helping others improve alongside you. Whether through coaching, developing clearer expectations, creating checklists, or reinforcing accountability, I value building systems and habits that create long-term success for both the team and the organization.”
Glen is open to ideas from others. “Some of the best improvements come from frontline team members who experience the work firsthand. ‘Always Improve’ means maintaining a mindset of learning, adapting, and consistently striving to leave the operation better than it was the day before.”
Glen added that whether reviewing trends, analyzing performance metrics, or preparing for initiatives like CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) Roadcheck, he looks for opportunities to transform information into practical improvements.
Outside the Office
When he’s not directing Pace safety initiatives, Glen enjoys spending time with his wife and their five grandchildren. “They’re such an important part of our lives,” he said. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and deep-sea fishing. “Hiking and fishing give me a chance to relax and recharge,” he said. Reading and traveling allow Glen to learn new things and experience different places and perspectives. He’s also an avid Alabama Crimson Tide football fan and attends home games whenever his busy schedule allows.
