ATA makes changes to senior management

Chris Spear, the new president and CEO of American Trucking Associations, began his tenure leading the industry group by removing the now-former executive vice presidents of finance, communications and advocacy.    American Trucking Associations (ATA) has taken its “first steps” toward a new direction under the management of new President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Spear by removing three members of the senior management team.
   Spear, who officially succeeded prior President and CEO Bill Graves July 9, announced the changes to ATA staff at a meeting Friday and e-mailed a letter to its members regarding the dismissal of the now-former executive vice presidents.Graves is remaining with ATA in an advisory role during the transition period.
   “We have taken our first steps in driving ATA in a new direction,” Spear said in the letter. “Today is Karla Hulett, Jeff Mason and Dave Osiecki’s final day with ATA. Please join me in thanking each of them for their leadership and dedication to ATA over the last several years.”
   Hulett was EVP of finance and chief operating officer, while Osiecki was responsible for national advocacy and Mason directed ATA’s communications and public affairs departments, as well as heading the organization’s news outlet, Transport Topics, since January 2014. Replacements for the departing executives were not announced.
   ATA also promoted Elisabeth Barna to the new role of chief operating officer and executive vice president of industry affairs.
   Previously a lobbyist for ATA, Spear said he plans to meet directly with member companies about the future direction of the association, adding that he would be sharing his vision and strategies for moving forward within the next few weeks.