ATA Announces the 14th Class for LEAD ATA, Trucking’s Premier Leadership Program

Charlotte, NC - The American Trucking Associations welcomed 14 professionals to the 14th class of its LEAD ATA program, a distinguished, year-long initiative dedicated to developing the next generation of trucking industry leaders. This year's class brings together rising leaders from all sectors of the industry who are committed to strengthening their skills and deepening their understanding of the industry.

Through exclusive educational and networking experiences, LEAD ATA offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at ATA's advocacy efforts, legislative engagement, public image campaigns, and strategic priorities.

"Strong leadership has never been more important to trucking's future. LEAD ATA equips emerging industry leaders with the knowledge, relationships, and real-world experience needed to advocate for our industry and help guide it through the opportunities and challenges ahead," said ATA Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom. "We're excited to welcome this year's outstanding class and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their companies, communities, and across the trucking industry."

"What makes LEAD ATA special is the community that participants build along the way," said Nikki Thomas, ATA Vice President of Industry Affairs. "Each class forms lasting connections with peers from across the industry while becoming part of a growing network of alumni who share a commitment to leadership, service, and advancing trucking. Those relationships often endure long after the program ends."

These individuals were selected through a highly competitive process, recognizing their professional achievements, dedication to growth, and strong potential as future leaders in the trucking industry. Each participant demonstrated vision, drive, and collaborative outlook, preparing them to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the industry.

Throughout the year, LEAD ATA participants will engage in coursework designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of the trucking industry. They will also complete individual projects that involve promoting the industry through local outreach and engagement.

The program is sponsored by Tenstreet and Driver's Legal Plan, who recognize the importance of supporting the next generation of trucking leaders. As this incoming class embarks on their journey, they join a growing network of LEAD ATA alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions to the industry.

2026-2027 LEAD ATA Class:

• Mitchell Ashkenaz, FedEx Freight
• Andrew Bellenger, McLeod Software
• Christina Davis, FedEx Freight
• Adam Field, Cummins, Inc.
• Earl Heard, Walmart Transportation
• David Ice, FedEx Freight
• Zaheer Iqbal, NIC Federal, LLC, a Tyler Technologies Company
• Keaton Klepper, Drivers Legal Plan
• Andrew Nichols, PGT Trucking, Inc.
• Melanie Simard, ISAAC Instruments
• Michael Solarz, GLCS, Inc.
• Ben Steines, Ruan
• Ashley Thomas, Volvo Trucks North America
• Kyle Wright, Hyundai Translead

2025-2026 LEAD ATA Class Graduates:

• Jordan Atwater, TrueNorth Companies
• Melissa Hetland, GLCS, Inc.
• Nicholas Hettel, Cummins,Inc.
• Jorie Justice, FedEx Custom Critical
• Cecila Kelly, PrePass
• Joshua Lang, Roehl Transport
• Josh McAlister, Tenstreet
• Scott Metroff, International Motors
• John Millican, Hyundai Translead
• Priscilla Pantoja Johnson, Laredo Motor Carrier Association
• Catherine Shepherd, Revoy
• Carlo Solorzano, Driver iQ
• Maddie Sullivan, Volvo Trucks North America
• Covey Thompson, The Martin Brower Company
• Taylor Vandersteenhoven, Chain
• Joe White, The DDC Group

For more information on the LEAD ATA program or the incoming class, please visit https://www.trucking.org/lead-ata.