American Trucking Associations announced that former ATA senior vice president of legislative affairs, Chris Spear, will serve as the federation’s next president and CEO effective July 9. He succeeds Bill Graves, who is retiring after more than 13 years with ATA.

Spear is currently vice president of government affairs at Hyundai Motor Company. Previously, he has successfully led ATA’s efforts on Capitol Hill and was instrumental in developing and advancing the association’s strategic advocacy agenda, which resulted in public policy that advanced ATA’s pro-trucking, pro-safety and pro-efficiency agenda.

“Chris’ enthusiasm for the trucking industry and the mission of ATA – to effectively advocate and communicate efforts that improve safety and profitability for our members – is second to none,” said ATA Chairman Pat Thomas, senior vice president of state government affairs at UPS. “We had many excellent candidates for the position, but Spear is the right fit for the organization. We are extremely pleased that he will be joining us.”

Spear was vice president of global government relations at Honeywell and he held executive branch positions including assistant secretary of labor. Spear also served as professional staff for Senators Tim Hutchinson, Mike Enzi and Alan Simpson.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead this great association and serve this vital industry,” said Spear. “Trucking is the backbone of our economy and a catalyst for American job growth, delivering critical goods to businesses and homes coast-to-coast. I am excited to work alongside ATA’s members and federation partners to ensure the industry continues to prosper and safely move our nation forward.”

Graves will serve as an advisor to ATA for the remainder of 2016.