Mark Colson Appointed President and CEO of American Trucking Associations

Mark Colson is set to succeed Chris Spear as president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations. The appointment was announced on October 15 and will be effective December 1, 2026. Spear departed abruptly on August 21, prompting the leadership change at the national industry group founded in 1933. Colson will become the tenth president in the organization's history.

Colson’s leadership background in state and national trucking

Mark Colson brings over two decades of experience in trucking association leadership. He succeeded longtime CEO Frank Filgo at the Alabama Trucking Association in 2019. Prior to that, he held several roles at the Business Council of Alabama, including interim president, senior vice president of governmental affairs, and chief of staff.

His career is deeply rooted in the industry. The values that trucking leaders and professionals hold dear were instilled in me at an early age in my family’s second-generation tire shop, Blow-Out Tire Company, where I grew up changing truck tires, Colson stated.

Within the ATA federation, Colson has served on the Strategic Priorities Committee and the Truck PAC Board of Directors. He is also on the Advisory Committee of the American Transportation Research Institute, the ATA's research arm. His peers elected him vice chairman of the Trucking Association Executives Council in July 2026. Also, he chaired the TAEC task force that developed the seven-point Trucking Resurgence action plan, released in December 2025. That plan aimed to close regulatory gaps exploited by noncompliant carriers and unqualified drivers.

Vision and priorities for ATA under Colson

Colson emphasized trust and federation strength in his initial statements. He described this as a unique moment for ATA to make a renewed commitment to the trucking industry and its professionals. He framed this commitment as being built on earned trust, a sense of family, and an unrelenting passion to fight for the issues that matter most.

He highlighted the critical role of state associations. Colson noted they are the boots on the ground for advancing and defending the industry. He expressed excitement about working with them to unleash the full strength of the federation.

The industry faces ongoing challenges. Colson pointed out that leaders are still climbing out of one of the deepest and longest freight recessions in history. He argued the industry is on the verge of a trucking resurgence but must keep fighting and advocating. The approach must be to meet members where they are, listen to their concerns, and help them succeed.

Industry reaction and ATA context

ATA leaders unanimously praised Colson’s record and his understanding of the federation model. Greg Hodgen, ATA chairman and CEO of bulk hauler Groendke Transport, said Mark would build on a foundation of giving trucking a strong voice. He will bring fresh energy and a clear vision for advancing industry priorities.

Chris Maxwell, chairman of TAEC and president of the Rhode Island Trucking Association, stressed the importance of the state-federal partnership. Few trucking companies operate in just one state, he noted. Bad ideas in one state impact carriers nationwide. Maxwell said the partnership is one of the industry’s greatest strengths and that Mark understands what makes it powerful.

Derek Leathers, incoming ATA chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises, showed the need for a unified voice in Washington. Decisions made there affect daily operations, investment, and customer service. The industry needs a strong voice to ensure policymakers understand these realities.

Scott Smith, chairman of the Alabama Trucking Association and CEO of PS Logistics, praised Colson’s tenure in Alabama. He said Colson grew membership, broke revenue records year over year, and established one of the state's most effective political action committees. Colson expanded advocacy, safety, workforce development, and public relations efforts. Of his time leading the state group, Colson said it "has been the honor of my career."

The Alabama Trucking board leadership, including immediate past chairman Daniel Wright, will guide the association through its own transition. Colson will continue to lead Alabama Trucking through the end of November. The board has full confidence in the experienced staff and will take time to make thoughtful, long-term leadership decisions. The ATA will convene its Management Conference & Exhibition from October 17-20 in Charlotte, N.C. Colson will assist the transition through December 2026 and after as needed.