ATA Announces the 13th Class for LEAD ATA, Trucking’s Premier Leadership Program

San Diego, CA - The American Trucking Associations welcomed 17 professionals to the 13th 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, each committed to strengthening his or her skills and deepening his or her understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing 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.

"LEAD ATA represents the promise and potential of our industry's future," said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. "We're honored to welcome such a dedicated and talented group of professionals into the program and look forward to seeing how their experiences and ideas will strengthen trucking for years to come."

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 the 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.

2025-2026 LEAD ATA Class:

• Jordan Atwater, TrueNorth Companies
• Melissa Hetland, GLCS
• Nicholas Hettel, Cummins,Inc.
• Allison Hughes, Bennett Motor Express
• Jorie Justice, FedEx Custom Critical
• Cecilia Kelly, Transforce
• 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, Revenova
• Joe White, The DDC Group

2024-2025 LEAD ATA Class Graduates:

• Rebecca Anderson, Transland
• Jill Apperson, Luma Brighter Learning
• 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

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