ATA introduces 13th ATA LEAD class
American Trucking Associations introduced its 13th LEAD ATA class and celebrated the program’s recent graduates during the 2025 Management Conference and Exhibition in San Diego.
The 22-member, 2024-25 graduating class includes Randy Efird, vice president of strategic relations and labor affairs at Weaver Bros., a family-owned tank truck carrier headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. The 17 professionals in the 2025-26 class are rising leaders from all sectors of the industry who each are committed to strengthening their skills and deepening their understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
“LEAD ATA represents the promise and potential of our industry’s future,” Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO, said in a news release. “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.”
See also: ATA reveals 12th LEAD ATA class
The year-long LEAD ATA program features exclusive educational and networking experiences, offering participants a behind-the-scenes look at ATA’s advocacy efforts, legislative engagement, public image campaigns, and strategic priorities. Participants were selected through a highly competitive process, recognizing their professional achievements, dedication to growth, and strong potential as future leaders in the trucking industry, ATA reported.
See also: Weaver Bros. is built to last
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 also will complete individual projects that involve promoting the industry through local outreach and engagement.
2025-26 LEAD ATA class:
- Jordan Atwater, TrueNorth Companies
- Melissa Hetland, GLCS
- Nicholas Hettel, Cummins
- 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
2024-25 LEAD ATA class graduates:
- Rebecca Anderson, Transland
- Jill Apperson, Luma Brighter Learning
- Jeff Bethers, CRST The Transportation Solution
- Christy Choice, Tenstreet
- Justin Copeland, United Road Services
- Kelly Crow, FedEx Freight
- Steven Edwards, FedEx Freight
- Randy Efird, Weaver Bros.
- Michael Floyd, Professional Auto Transport
- Blake Grolmus, Ruan Transportation Management Systems
- Robert Hamon, FedEx Freight
- Will Haymons, Bennett Family of Companies
- Rocco Marrari, Pedigree Technologies
- Michael Petzold, Moran Transportation
- Taylor Rodriguez, United Parcel Service
- Kevin Scott II, United Parcel Service
- Daniel Simnick, Navistar
- Ben Slaton, Cummins
- Jeff Smith, Martin Heavy Transport
- Dayton Stevens, CRST The Transportation Solution
- Charles Stewart, Houston Freightliner
- Kyle Zimmerman, Volvo Trucks North America