NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The American Trucking Associations has honored 22 men and women from across the industry that have been selected as part of the 12th class of the Federation’s LEAD ATA program.
“We see graduates of the LEAD ATA program in the highest levels of our association,” said Chris Spear ATA president and CEO. “The future of our industry can be seen in these fine men and women. We are excited to welcome this new crop of talented individuals into the program and look forward to their growth over the coming year. Their participation will ensure that the future of trucking is in good hands.”
LEAD ATA is a prestigious year-long leadership program designed to develop the future leaders of the trucking industry, according to an ATA press release. This year’s incoming class consists of 22 leaders, representing a wide variety of companies from across the nation. These individuals were selected through a competitive process, highlighting their dedication, leadership potential and commitment to the industry.
The program is sponsored by Tenstreet and Drivers Legal Plan who recognize the importance of cultivating 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.
“It is tremendous to see so many talented men and women stepping up and engaging with our association through the LEAD ATA program,” said incoming ATA Chairman Dennis Dellinger, president and CEO of Cargo Transporters Inc. “I’m looking forward to seeing their growth as leaders and how they help shape the future of ATA and our industry.”
The 2024-2025 LEAD ATA Class:
- Rebecca Anderson, Transland
- Jill Apperson, AppleOne Staffing, Inc.
- Jeff Bethers, CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc.
- Christy Choice, Tenstreet
- Justin Copeland, URS Midwest, Inc. United Road
- Kelly Crow, FedEx Freight
- Steven Edwards, FedEx Freight
- Randy Efird, Weaver Brothers Inc.
- Michael Floyd, Professional Auto Transport, Inc.
- Blake Grolmus, Ruan Transportation Management Systems
- Robert Hamon, FedEx Freight
- Will Haymons, Bennett Family of Companies
- Rocco Marrari, Pedigree Technologies
- Michael Petzold, Moran Transportation Corporation
- Taylor Rodriguez, United Parcel Service
- Kevin Scott II, United Parcel Service
- Daniel Simnick, Navistar, Inc.
- Ben Slaton, Cummins, Inc.
- Jeff Smith, Martin Heavy Transport
- Dayton Stevens, CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc.
- Charles Stewart, Houston Freightliner, Inc.
- Kyle Zimmerman, Volvo Trucks North America
2023-2024 LEAD ATA Class Graduates:
- Ryan Bennett, Bennett Family of Companies
- Joseph Briner, Hoffman Transportation, Inc.
- Jackie Bull, Cummins, Inc.
- Christopher Eckhart, Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C.
- Andy Engardio, AssuredPartners
- Matt Fleming, Ruan Transportation Management Systems
- Manny Hoyt, TrueNorth Companies
- Quetura Hudson, DDC FPO
- Joshua Mecca, Grammer Logistics
- Isaac Ramirez, United Parcel Service
- Derek Sizemore, United Parcel Service
- Adam Smith, KSM Transport Advisors
- Joe Soliz, Link Labs
- Dana Spencer, CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc.
- Joshua Wallace, FedEx Freight
For more information on the LEAD ATA program or the incoming class, please visit https://www.trucking.org/lead-ata
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
