Harold Sumerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines, officially ended his tenure as American Trucking Associations chairman after Dan Van Alstine, president and COO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems, succeeded him as the federation’s 78th leader during the 2022 Management Conference & Exhibition in San Diego.
“I want to wish my friend and colleague Dan good luck as he starts this journey, which promises to be a truly special one,” Sumerford said.
“I also want to thank my fellow ATA members and the ATA staff for their support this past year, I could not have asked for a better year as chairman.”
Van Alstine has been with Ruan for more than eight years. He previously spent 13 years in various leadership roles with Schneider.
“I am humbled and truly honored to be here and to serve as your chairman of this great organization,” he said. “It is an absolute privilege to represent the millions of Americans who move our country as part of the transportation and logistics industry.”
The board also elected Andrew Boyle, co-president of Boyle Transportation, as ATA first vice chairman; and, Darren Hawkins, CEO of Yellow, as ATA second vice chairman.
In addition, the board named Dennis Dellinger, president and CEO of Cargo Transporters; and Wes Davis, CFO of Big M Transportation, as ATA vice chairmen; and re-elected John M. Smith, chairman of CRST International Holdings, as secretary; and John A. Smith, president and CEO of FedEx Ground, as treasurer.
“Dan is perfectly suited to be ATA’s next chairman,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “He listens, asks questions and then takes action. That’s leadership. His ability to get the best out of people by challenging and inspiring them is why he makes a difference and we are fortunate to have him as our chairman.”