CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From advocating for trucking-friendly policies to helping carriers navigate industry challenges, trucking association executives play a vital role in representing the industry at the state and national levels.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Trucking Association Executives Council (TAEC) honored 12 of those leaders, recognizing a combined 180 years of service to trucking associations and the ATA Federation. The awards were presented during ATA’s 2026 Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE) in Charlotte.
“I am especially proud to recognize this year’s honorees because I have had the privilege of serving alongside many of them throughout my career,” said Chris Maxwell, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Trucking Association and chairman of TAEC.
“Having spent 15 years in this role myself, I know state trucking association executives are often the first call members make when challenges arise and the driving force behind advocacy and outreach efforts,” he continued.
Maxwell said the honorees’ decades of experience have helped strengthen collaboration among trucking associations and build a results-focused culture throughout the ATA Federation.
Honoring decades of leadership
The 2026 honorees were recognized for milestones ranging from five to 30 years of service.
30 years
• John Hausladen, president and CEO, Minnesota Trucking Association
20 years
• Paul J. Enos, CEO, Nevada Trucking Association
• John D. Esparza, president and CEO, Texas Trucking Association
• Tom Balzer, president and CEO, Ohio Trucking Association
• Tom Crawford, president and CEO, Missouri Trucking Association
15 years
• Gary Langston, president and CEO, Indiana Motor Truck Association.
• Matthew Hart, executive director, Illinois Trucking Association.
• Chris Maxwell, president and CEO, Rhode Island Trucking Association.
10 years
• Sheri Call, president and CEO, Washington Trucking Associations.
5 years
• Rebecca Oyler, president and CEO, Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association.
• Jon Eisen, executive director, ATA Intermodal Motor Carriers Conference.
• Ryan Streblow, president and CEO, National Tank Truck Carriers.
Strengthening the industry
“Leading a state trucking association requires a unique blend of skills. On any given day, these executives are advocates, strategists, communicators, coalition builders and problem solvers for their members,” said Henry Hanscom, ATA’s chief advocacy and public affairs officer.
“They have devoted a considerable portion of their careers in service to trucking and have played an essential role in building the strong, results-oriented culture that defines the ATA Federation,” he continued. “Their dedication, institutional knowledge and steady leadership have strengthened our industry and will continue to serve as a foundation for future success.”
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.
