Harold Sumerford Jr. Elected ATA’s 77th Chairman
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — American Trucking Associations closed out its 2021 Management Conference & Exhibition with a celebratory evening after electing Harold Sumerford Jr. as the federation’s 77th chairman.
Sumerford, who is CEO of Birmingham, Ala.-based J&M Tank Lines, said ATA is “stronger than it has ever been” during his remarks at the annual MCE banquet on Oct. 26. “Every member makes a difference.”
He also highlighted the essential work performed by trucking companies throughout the coronavirus pandemic, even while facing labor shortages.
“The men and women of the trucking industry have risen to the challenge and continued to move America’s freight,” Sumerford said.
Moving forward, ATA must remain focused on key issues such as tort reform, nuclear verdicts, tolling and infrastructure funding, he said.
“We must stay engaged with these problems. If not, the costs for carriers will continue to escalate and risk our association’s progress,” Sumerford said. “At the end of my time as chairman, I hope to look back and see many wins accomplished.”
Sumerford succeeds immediate past chairman Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, CEO of Findlay, Ohio-based Garner Trucking.
Sherri Garner Brumbaugh gives her farewell remarks after concluding her tenure as ATA chairman. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
“I have had, along with my husband Jerry, the true pleasure of meeting truckers from across this country, peers that are trucking company owners like myself, but also the very important allied folks that support our industry too,” Garner Brumbaugh said in her remarks at the banquet.
The evening concluded with a high-energy performance by Brothers Osborne, with siblings T.J. and John Osborne entertaining conference attendees with their blend of country and rock music.
The Brothers Osborne perform at the closing banquet. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
The board also announced the following leadership positions:
- First vice chairman: Dan Van Alstine, president and COO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems of Des Moines, Iowa
- Second vice chairman: Andrew Boyle, co-president of Boyle Transportation of Billerica, Mass.
- Vice chairman: Darren Hawkins, CEO of YRC Worldwide of Overland Park, Kan.
- Vice chairman: Dennis Dellinger, president and CEO of Cargo Transporters of Hickory, N.C.
- Secretary: John M. Smith, chairman of Admiralty Holdings
- Treasurer: John A. Smith, president and CEO of FedEx Freight.
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