The high-profile leader of one of the trucking industry's leading advocacy groups announced today he is stepping down effective immediately.
Chris Spear has left the American Trucking Associations, having joined the more than 37,000-member organization as president and CEO in 2016. He previously served as senior vice president of legislative affairs for the association, and held several posts in the federal government.
No reason was given for his departure.
In a statement issued today, ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen said:
“Chris Spear informed our executive committee today that he will be departing the American Trucking Associations, effective immediately. 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.
“One of Chris’ most important accomplishments 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.
“ATA’s Board will convene a search committee to identify the association’s next president and CEO. As that process moves forward, our members can have full confidence in ATA’s leadership team and staff. We have a clear mission, strong momentum, and the people in place to execute. Our work continues full speed ahead, and ATA will remain a strong, unified, and effective voice for America’s trucking industry.”
During Spear's tenure, the ATA and the trucking industry dealt with numerous regulatory and environmental issues, wrestled with driver recruitment and retention problems, navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and slogged through an extended freight recession.
Spear had a considerable presence in the halls of Congress. He frequently testified before committees of the House and Senate on numerous trucking issues.
Spear previously worked as a legislative director for Sen. Tim Hutchinson, a Republican from Arkansas, and as a legislative assistant for senators Mike Enzi and Alan Simpson, both Republicans from Wyoming.
Before joining ATA, Spear was vice president of government affairs for Hyundai Motor Company; vice president of emerging markets for Honeywell International and, vice president of Honeywell lobal government relations.
Spear also served in the U.S. federal government as deputy representative for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq. Prior to that, he was nominated by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the US Senate as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Policy.
