(Editor’s note: story has new information from its original publication).
Chris Spear is out as the president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations.
In a letter sent to members Friday, signed by ATA chairman Greg Hodgen, CEO of Groendyke Transport, said Spear’s “tenure as president and CEO has concluded, effective today.”
While there was no indication in the letter whether Spear had decided to leave his position on his own or whether the ATA chose to have him depart, a statement released Friday afternoon by ATA said Spear had told the organization he was leaving.
“Chris Spear informed our Executive Committee today that he will be departing the American Trucking Associations, effective immediately,” the statement said. “On behalf of ATA, I thank Chris for more than a decade of service to the association and our industry. During his tenure, ATA secured significant policy victories, strengthened its advocacy operation, and elevated trucking’s voice in Washington.”
In the letter sent to membership, Hodgen said one accomplishment by Spear was “assembling an exceptionally talented and experienced team to represent this industry. ATA has the advocacy horsepower to keep advancing our priorities without missing a beat. From our policy experts and technical professionals to our government affairs and communications teams, we have a world-class operation working together to deliver results for our members. That depth, expertise, and shared sense of purpose will continue to drive our association forward, regardless of who is at the wheel.”
Hodgen said a search has begun to “(identify) ATA’s next President and CEO.”
“In the meantime, I want to assure you that ATA remains strong, focused and fully engaged in delivering results for our members,” Hodgen said. “Our mission has not changed. Our advocacy agenda remains intact.”
Spear had recently observed his 10-year anniversary as president and CEO of the organization. But more significantly, he was just beginning an extension of his contract. A five-year deal signed in 2021 was extended in 2024 until 2029.
He came to ATA after being vice president of government affairs at Hyundai Motor Co. He had an earlier stint at ATA as senior vice president for legislative affairs at ATA. Spear also served in a government relations role at Honeywell International.
Spear also held several positions in the federal government.
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