Derek Leathers Elected 82nd Chairman of the American Trucking Associations

Charlotte, NC - At the American Trucking Associations' 2026 Management Conference & Exhibition, ATA's Board of Directors elected Derek Leathers, chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises based in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Federation's 82nd Chairman.

"For more than 90 years, ATA has given trucking a strong and unified voice. But longevity alone is not leadership. ATA has endured by continuing to raise the bar and bringing our industry together to solve problems none of us can solve alone," said Leathers. "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. 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., as ATA Chairman.

"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," said Hodgen. "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. 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."

"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 ATA Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom. "With Derek's vision, the engagement of our members, and the dedication of ATA's professional staff, our association's future is bright. 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's Board also elected Gregg Troian, president of PGT Trucking Inc. in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, as first vice chair, and Michael Kiely, president of global government affairs at UPS, as second vice chair. The Board re-elected John M. Smith, chairman of CRST International Holdings LLC, as secretary. Harold Sumerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines Inc., was re-elected as treasurer.

Click here for Leathers' biography.