Spear to replace Graves as head of ATA

The American Trucking Associations has appointed former senior vice president of legislative affairs Chris Spear to succeed Bill Graves as the organization’s next president and chief executive officer, effective July 9.    The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has appointed Chris Spear to succeed Bill Graves as the organization’s next president and chief executive officer, effective July 9.
   Graves, a 13-year ATA veteran, initially announced his retirement back in October 2015, but said at the time he would stay with the federation through the end of 2016. ATA said Graves will continue to serve as an advisor for the remainder of the year.
   Currently vice president of government affairs at Hyundai Motor Company, Spear has led ATA’s lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, and was “instrumental in developing and advancing the association’s strategic advocacy agenda,” the group said.
   In his many years in Washington, Spear served as vice president of global government relations at Honeywell International, held executive branch positions including Assistant Secretary of Labor, and served as professional staff for Sens. Tim Hutchinson, R-Ark.; Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.; and Alan Simpson, R-Wyo.
   “Chris’ enthusiasm for the trucking industry and the mission of ATA – to effectively advocate and communicate efforts that improve safety and profitability for our members – is second to none,” ATA Chairman Pat Thomas, senior vice president of state government affairs at UPS, said of the appointment. “We had many excellent candidates for the position, but Spear is the right fit for the organization. We are extremely pleased that he will be joining us.”
   The search committee for a new president and CEO was headed by former ATA Chairman Phil Byrd, president of Bulldog Hiway Express.
  “I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead this great association and serve this vital industry,” said Spear. “Trucking is the backbone of our economy and a catalyst for American job growth, delivering critical goods to businesses and homes coast-to-coast. I am excited to work alongside ATA’s members and federation partners to ensure the industry continues to prosper and safely move our nation forward.”
   “It’s been my honor to lead ATA as President and CEO for almost 14 years,” added Graves. “I’ll always appreciate the opportunity ATA members afforded me in 2001 when I was chosen for the position and the support they’ve provided since 2003 when I moved to Washington to assume that role.
   “Trucking has always been close to my heart and I’m very proud that a trucking company bore my family’s name. Now is the time to pass on the leadership responsibility to Chris, a person whom I have great respect for and confidence in his ability to lead ATA.”