ATA loses its Washington voice as CEO Chris Spear exits abruptly
Spear’s decade-long tenure ends immediately after contract extension to 2029
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) announced Friday that Chris Spear has stepped down as its president and CEO after more than a decade leading the organization.
The departure took effect immediately, according to a letter sent to ATA members and signed by chairman Greg Hodgen, who also serves as CEO of Groendyke Transport. While the letter did not specify whether Spear resigned or was asked to leave, a subsequent statement from the ATA clarified that Spear had informed the Executive Committee of his decision to leave.
Hodgen praised Spear’s leadership in the letter, highlighting his role in building a “world-class operation” within the ATA. “From our policy experts and technical professionals to our government affairs and communications teams, we have assembled an exceptionally talented group working together to deliver results for our members,” he wrote. The ATA’s statement echoed this sentiment, crediting Spear with securing “significant policy victories,” strengthening the association’s advocacy efforts, and raising the trucking industry’s profile in Washington.
Spear’s exit comes at a notable time. Just two years ago, the ATA extended his contract through 2029, a move that appeared to signal long-term confidence in his leadership. He had recently marked his 10-year anniversary as president and CEO.
Before joining the ATA, Spear held key roles in both the private and public sectors. He served as vice president of government affairs at Hyundai Motor Co. and previously worked at Honeywell International. He also had an earlier stint at the ATA as senior vice president for legislative affairs and held multiple positions in the federal government.
Transition and next steps: Spear
The ATA has already begun the search for Spear’s successor. In his letter, Hodgen assured members that the organization’s mission and advocacy priorities remain unchanged. “Our mission has not changed. Our advocacy agenda remains intact,” he wrote, emphasizing that the ATA’s operations would continue without disruption.
The association’s leadership appears focused on maintaining stability during the transition. Hodgen’s letter underscored the strength of the team Spear built, suggesting that the ATA’s ability to advance its policy goals would not be affected by the change in leadership. However, the sudden departure of a long-serving CEO could still pose challenges for an organization that has spent years expanding its influence in Washington.
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