CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A familiar face in trucking is taking the wheel at the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
Derek Leathers, chairman and CEO of Omaha, Nebraska-based Werner Enterprises, has been elected the federation’s 82nd chairman. Leathers was installed as chairman during ATA’s 2026 Management Conference & Exhibition in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“For more than 90 years, ATA has given trucking a strong and unified voice. But longevity alone is not leadership,” Leathers said. “ATA has endured by continuing to raise the bar and bringing our industry together to solve problems none of us can solve alone.
“We did not build this institution. We inherited it from generations of leaders who gave their time, energy, and judgment to make our industry stronger,” he continued. “Now it is our responsibility to build on that foundation and leave ATA even stronger for those who come next. It is an honor to serve as ATA’s 82nd chairman to carry that mission forward.”
Leathers succeeds Greg Hodgen, CEO of Groendyke Transport Inc., who reflected on his year as chairman and encouraged ATA members to remain engaged in the association’s work.
“One year ago, I gratefully accepted the opportunity to serve as ATA’s chairman. Today, I am even more grateful — for the people who made that service possible and for all that our federation has accomplished together,” Hodgen said.
“I leave this role with a deeper appreciation for ATA and with confidence that it remains in capable hands. As my friend Derek takes the chair, I firmly believe this organization is on a path to achieve amazing things,” he continued. “Although my term is ending, my commitment is not. I encourage all of our members to stay involved, keep sharing your voice, and help us turn the strength of this association into results for the industry we love.”
ATA’s leadership also welcomed the transition, emphasizing the role of member participation and industry advocacy as Leathers begins his term.
“I want to thank Greg for his outstanding service over the past year and congratulate Derek as he takes on this new leadership position,” said Henry Hanscom, ATA’s chief advocacy and public affairs officer.
“With Derek’s vision, the engagement of our members, and the dedication of ATA’s professional staff, our association’s future is bright,” Hanscom continued. “We look forward to working alongside Derek to build on our momentum and continue delivering the advocacy victories and member value that strengthen trucking and move our industry forward.”
ATA elects additional officers
In addition to electing Leathers as chairman, ATA’s Board of Directors selected officers to serve in other leadership positions.
- First vice chair: Gregg Troian, president of PGT Trucking Inc., Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
- Second vice chair: Michael Kiely, president of global government affairs at UPS
- Secretary: John M. Smith, chairman of CRST International Holdings LLC (re-elected)
- Treasurer: Harold Sumerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines Inc. (re-elected)
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
