ATA Honors Trucking Role Models and Image Leaders

Charlotte, NC - Today, the American Trucking Associations honored outstanding efforts to enhance the image of the trucking industry with the presentation of the 2026 Mike Russell Trucking Image Award.

"The Mike Russell Award recognizes the individuals and organizations who take ownership of trucking's story and share it with authenticity, passion, and purpose," said Nikki Thomas, VP, Industry Affairs, ATA. "From solving problems to serving as trucking ambassadors to creating career opportunities, this year's honorees have found powerful ways to elevate our industry. Their efforts remind us that every positive story told about this industry helps strengthen public understanding of the essential role trucking plays in America."

The Mike Russell Trucking Image Award, sponsored by Great West, An Old Republic Company, recognizes individuals, motor carriers, and trucking organizations that exemplify the industry's essential role, professionalism, and dedication to safety both on and off the road.

"The recipients of this year's Mike Russell Award exemplify the very best of trucking," said Dan Horvath, COO, ATA. "By educating the public, championing important causes, and creating opportunities for others, they have helped shine a spotlight on the professionalism and dedication that define our industry. Their efforts are strengthening trucking's image and helping build a stronger future for our industry."

This year's honorees are:

• Trucking Association Executives Council Task Force
• Steve Brand, Professional Truck Driver, FedEx Freight
• Conversion Interactive Agency

"The Mike Russell Trucking Image Award honors individuals who are dedicated to advancing a positive image of the trucking industry, and Great West, An Old Republic Company, is proud to support that mission," said Steve Ponder, SVP of Great West, An Old Republic Company. "The work of past and future recipients helps showcase the professionalism, innovation, and impact of trucking, strengthening public perception and appreciation of our industry for years to come."

Background on Award Winners

Trucking Association Executives Council Task Force. In the Association and Organization category, ATA honors the TAEC Task Force for transforming concern into action and telling trucking's story with courage and heart. In crafting the "Trucking Resurgence: The Fight for Fairness and Safety," report, these leaders elevated thoughtful and deliberate grassroots-initiated solutions intended to stamp out fraud at home, as well as overseas, strengthen safety enforcement, and challenge bad actors-including carriers, brokers, and ELD providers-that were exploiting loopholes at the expense of public safety and businesses. Just as importantly, they helped equip their fellow state trucking associations with this unified message to tackle these issues in their states. By championing honest operators and ensuring good actors are recognized and rewarded, this task force has helped to protect and preserve the trucking's reputation continued commitment to safety, integrity, and meaningful progress.

Steve Brand. In the Driver/Owner-Operator category, ATA honors Steve Brand, who has dedicated 37 years to the trucking industry, including 30 years with FedEx Freight and seven years over the road. He has built his career on safety, service, and leadership. With a staggering 4.9 million safe driving miles, Steve is a current America's Road Team Captain and a member of the FedEx Freight Road Team, using his platform to educate the public and promote highway safety. A two-time National Truck Driving Championships participant, 2024 Ohio Driver of the Year, and 2026 TA Petro Citizen Driver Honoree, Steve is a tireless ambassador for trucking. Through events such as Dayton Touch a Truck, Share the Road, Safety Drive for a Cure, and Make-A-Wish fundraisers, as well as his work as host of the Truckers' Voice podcast and a Truckers Against Trafficking Ambassador, Steve continues to elevate the image of trucking and inspire others through his commitment to the industry.

Conversion Interactive Agency. In the Industry Supplier/Allied Member category, ATA honors Conversion Interactive Agency, which has spent more than three decades strengthening the trucking industry through workforce development, education, innovation, and community engagement. Their efforts have helped generate nearly five million driver leads, facilitate more than 56,000 hires, and connect the next generation of trucking professionals with meaningful career opportunities. Beyond their business impact, Conversion is deeply committed to community service and giving back. For the past nine consecutive years, Conversion has also been recognized as one of Tennessee's Top Workplaces, reflecting its commitment to building a culture where employees grow, advance, and build lasting careers.