Derek Leathers Takes Command as the 82nd ATA Chairman
Big moves just went down in Charlotte.
The American Trucking Associations’ Board of Directors met at their 2026 Management Conference & Exhibition. They made it official. Derek Leathers is taking the wheel as the Federation’s 82nd Chairman.
He isn't pulling any punches about what needs to happen next. Safe carriers shouldn't be forced to battle rogue operators who cut corners, skirt regulations, or treat basic road safety like it's optional.
The industry faces real friction on the highway. Rule-breakers throw off the whole market. When you protect the integrity of the CDL system and knock unsafe operators off our roads, everyone stays safer. It balances out a marketplace that ought to reward raw professionalism instead of blatant noncompliance.
Standing Up for Industry Integrity and Safety
The decision came straight from Charlotte, North Carolina. The board didn't hesitate.
Leathers brings a heavy-hitting perspective as the current chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises out of Omaha, Nebraska. He knows the numbers. He knows the operational gridlock.
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," Leathers pointed out. "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.
That focus hits the core of what motor carriers deal with daily. It's about protecting the hard-working outfits that play by the rules.
Leathers takes the reins directly from Greg Hodgen, the CEO of Groendyke Transport, Inc., who wrapped up his term 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," Hodgen noted during the event. "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.
The administrative team is already lining up behind the new leadership push.
Henry Hanscom, ATA’s Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer, voiced strong support for the road ahead.
I want to thank Greg for his outstanding service over the past year and congratulate Derek as he takes on this new leadership position," Hanscom said. "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.
Decades of Logistics Heat: The Leathers Record
Leathers didn't just drop into this leadership post out of nowhere.
He brings over 30 years of direct experience across the transportation and logistics landscape, including a 25-year run with Werner.
Over his quarter-century at Werner, he took on crucial executive management tasks that shaped the company's biggest moves. He set up and built out Werner’s cross-border operations in Mexico. He ran asset operating groups. He launched Werner Global Logistics, managing freight across ocean, air, intermodal, and brokerage sectors.
In May 2021, Werner’s Board appointed him Chairman while he kept his title as CEO.
His experience stretches deep across international lines, too. Before joining Werner back in 1999, Leathers lived in Mexico City for several years as one of the first foreign members of Mexico's trucking association. He holds an economics degree from Princeton University.
Beyond running Werner, Leathers keeps a busy schedule on industry and community boards. He previously served as Second Vice Chairman of the ATA. He leads as Chairman of the American Transportation Research Institute and sits on the ATA Executive Committee.
His work spans well beyond freight. He sits on the Executive Board of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors for SkyWest, the Executive Committee for United Way of the Midlands, and the Board of Trustees for Creighton University.
He also founded PlaySmart, a non-profit where he serves as National Director, helping underserved 5th- through 8th-grade students hit their academic potential through sports.
Fresh Leadership Slate on the ATA Board
The election didn't stop at the top spot. The ATA Board of Directors filled out the rest of its executive officer lineup during the Charlotte conference.
Here is who is taking on executive leadership positions alongside Leathers:
- First Vice Chair: Gregg Troian, president of PGT Trucking Inc. out of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
- Second Vice Chair: Michael Kiely, president of global government affairs at UPS.
- Secretary: John M. Smith, chairman of CRST International Holdings LLC (re-elected).
- Treasurer: Harold Sumerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines Inc. (re-elected).
This leadership group brings heavy operational experience from flatbed, bulk, package, and truckload sectors. They are stepping up at a time when regulatory enforcement and CDL system protections are front and center for fleets across the nation.
