ATA President Chris Spear steps down; association launches search for new leader

Chris Spear has left his position as President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) effective immediately, the federation announced on August 21, 2026. ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen confirmed Spear’s departure in a statement, noting that the Executive Committee was informed of the decision the same day. Hodgen praised Spear for his more than a decade of service, highlighting his role in securing major policy victories for the trucking industry, strengthening ATA’s advocacy in Washington, and elevating the sector’s profile on Capitol Hill. Spear, who became ATA’s ninth president on July 9, 2016, succeeded Bill Graves, a former two-term governor of Kansas who led the federation for over 13 years. Under Spear’s leadership, ATA achieved key legislative wins, including securing highway infrastructure funding and advancing workforce development initiatives. The association also intensified its advocacy against lawsuit abuse to counter rising nuclear verdicts against motor carriers. Spear oversaw ATA’s navigation through shifting regulatory landscapes, including the implementation of the federal electronic logging device rule that tightened compliance with driver hours-of-service limits. The federation also adapted to evolving commercial vehicle emissions regulations and rapid advancements in onboard and back-office technology during his tenure. A notable milestone was ATA’s relocation of its headquarters from Arlington, Virginia, to downtown Washington, D.C., positioning the organization closer to policymakers and regulators. Hodgen emphasized that Spear’s most significant contribution was building a high-caliber team capable of advancing the trucking industry’s priorities. “ATA has the advocacy horsepower to keep advancing our priorities without missing a beat,” Hodgen stated. “We have a world-class operation working together to deliver results for our members.” Before joining ATA, Spear held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, including serving as Assistant Secretary for Policy in the Department of Labor during the George W. Bush administration and holding vice president positions in government affairs at Hyundai Motor Co. and Honeywell International. Hodgen, who is also CEO of bulk carrier Groendyke Transport Inc., reassured members that ATA remains well-positioned to continue its advocacy and policy work during the leadership transition. “Our work continues full speed ahead, and ATA will remain a strong, unified and effective voice for America’s trucking industry,” he said. The ATA Board of Directors will now establish a search committee to identify the federation’s next president and CEO.