Leathers named as new ATRI chairman

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) announced a new chairman on Nov. 1. Derek Leathers, CEO, president, and chairman of Werner Enterprises will step into the chairperson role held for eight years by Judy McReynolds, the CEO, president, and chairman of ArcBest Corp, as reported by Transport Topics.

Leathers is stepping into the role already well acquainted with the ATRI’s board, being a member since October 2015. He will join a board of 12 other trucking industry leaders.

“Derek has been a strong supporter of ATRI’s research in his years of service on our board and is well-respected throughout the industry,” ATRI President Rebecca Brewster said. “We look forward to his tenure as ATRI chair.”

Leathers will be stepping into a significant role that in the past has seen great advancement for the trucking industry. McReynold’s eight-year tenure as chairperson was highly acclaimed even beyond the scope of ATRI.

“Under Judy’s leadership, ATRI’s research has gained worldwide recognition for its objective analyses of key industry issues on topics ranging from litigation research, the truck parking shortage, congestion, highway funding and the environment,” said Chris Spear, American Trucking Associations’ president. “Derek is the perfect choice to continue ATRI’s leadership in advancing the industry’s safety and productivity.”

Leathers has accrued over 30 years of experience in transportation and logistics, with 20 of those years coming from his dedicated time at Werner. He has served in an array of roles at Werner, including being a part of the formation of Werner’s Mexico cross-border operations. He also oversaw the asset operating groups that led the launch of Werner Global Logistics.

The ATRI is the trucking industry’s nonprofit research organization; it is committed to research that promotes and creates pathways for a safe and efficient U.S. transportation system. Leathers, with his abundant experience, will be well-equipped to further these purposes.