ATA Celebrates Leadership Graduates

Aa"It’s trucking’s turn to tell our powerful story. It’s time to remind the country that we’re the driving force of this nation.”ATA President Chris Spear told LEAD ATA attendees Oct. 13. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — American Trucking Associations introduced the newest graduates of its professional leadership program Oct. 13 during the 2024 Management Conference & Exhibition.

LEAD ATA, a yearlong leadership program centered on the commercial trucking industry, is designed to develop future leaders within the industry. The incoming class was introduced during a luncheon ceremony along with the outgoing graduate class. The new class consists of 22 individuals selected through a competitive process.

“This week, the sounds and rhythm of Music City will be mixed with the voices of the trucking industry,” ATA President Chris Spear said. “For decades, Nashville has been a focal point for storytellers. Singing and songwriting legends have used the stages in this city to share their unique experiences and points of view with the world. Now it’s trucking’s turn to tell our powerful story. It’s time to remind the country that we’re the driving force of this nation.”

Spear highlighted that the trucking industry directly employs 8.5 million Americans. The industry also delivers 11 billion tons each year — about 70% of all freight moved in the country. He added that more than 80% of communities depend solely on trucks. The MCE theme this year aimed to reflect this importance with the slogan “Nothing Without Trucking.”

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LEAD ATA Class of 2024 at MCE 2024 in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 13. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)

 LEAD ATA Class of 2024 Graduates

• Ryan Bennett, Bennett Family of Cos.

• Joseph Briner, Hoffman Transportation

• Jackie Bull, Cummins Inc.

• Christopher Eckhart, Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C.

• Andy Engardio, AssuredPartners

• Matt Fleming, Ruan Transportation Management Systems

• Manny Hoyt, TrueNorth Cos.

• Quetura Hudson, DDC FPO

• Joshua Mecca, Grammer Logistics

• Isaac Ramirez, UPS Inc.

• Derek Sizemore, UPS Inc.

• Adam Smith, KSM Transport Advisors

• Joe Soliz, Link Labs

• Dana Spencer, CRST The Transportation Solution

• Joshua Wallace, FedEx Freight

“We mean it when we say that there is Nothing Without Trucking,” Spear said. “MCE, as trucking’s premier event, is an opportunity to get attuned to the most pressing issues, such as human trafficking [and] artificial intelligence, and harmonize our message and strategy. It’s also worth celebrating the success of leaders within our industry, including the up-and-coming ones of LEAD ATA.”

LEAD ATA is designed to provide participants with real-world experience and in-depth industry insights. The program also seeks to represent the many different segments, regions and fleet sizes that make up the industry by selecting a diverse group of candidates. It’s sponsored by Tenstreet and Drivers Legal Plan.

“Whether it’s adopting new technology or finding a solution to a difficult problem, these new leaders bring the fresh ideas and perspectives that our industry needs to grow and flourish,” said Dan Horvath, senior vice president of regulatory affairs and safety policy. “This year, our 11th graduating class took LEAD ATA to new levels when they presented their groundbreaking projects to a panel of judges at the midyear management session.”

Horvath highlighted one particular project that involved using ATA America’s Road Team and Interstate One to educate terminal drivers on the truck driving championships and safe driving practices. He noted that the project led to a decrease in safety incidents.

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LEAD ATA Class of 2025 at MCE 2024 in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 13. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)

LEAD ATA Class of 2025

• Rebecca Anderson, Transland

• Jill Apperson, AppleOne Staffing

• Jeff Bethers, CRST The Transportation Solution

• Christy Choice, Tenstreet

• Justin Copeland, URS Midwest Inc. United Road

• Kelly Crow, FedEx Freight

• Steven Edwards, FedEx Freight

• Randy Efird, Weaver Brothers

• Michael Floyd, Professional Auto Transport

• Blake Grolmus, Ruan Transportation Management Systems

• Robert Hamon, FedEx Freight

• Will Haymons, Bennett Family of Cos.

• Rocco Marrari, Pedigree Technologies

• Michael Petzold, Moran Transportation Corp.

• Taylor Rodriguez, UPS Inc.

• Kevin Scott II, UPS Inc.

• Daniel Simnick, Navistar

• Ben Slaton, Cummins

• Jeff Smith, Martin Heavy Transport

• Dayton Stevens, CRST The Transportation Solution

• Charles Stewart, Houston Freightliner

• Kyle Zimmerman, Volvo Trucks North America

“Our industry is defined by integrity, hard work, innovation and respect for both customers and employees,” Horvath said. “Fostering these values among the next generation of trucking leaders is essential to keeping our industry strong. For more than a decade, LEAD ATA has been fulfilling this important mission by preparing the best and brightest in the trucking industry.”

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The theme of combating human trafficking has been prevalent at MCE 2024. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)

TAT, formerly known as Truckers Against Trafficking, also announced during the luncheon that Walmart has received its champion award for combating human trafficking in transportation. The retail giant has directly supported the organization in a variety of ways, including training its own drivers, participating in events and hauling supplies for free.

“TAT is keenly aware that without the support, commitment and actions of our partners, we would cease to exist,” TAT Executive Director Esther Goetsch said. “Therefore, each year we recognize and honor the outstanding, creative, innovative, generous and dedicated efforts of specific TAT partners whose actions have significantly furthered our work. Walmart exemplifies what it means to be a TAT champion and a force multiplier in spreading awareness.”

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