The American Trucking Associations board of directors elected Pat Thomas, senior vice president of state government affairs for UPS, as the federation’s 71st chairman.

“It is an immense honor to be chosen by my fellow ATA members as their chairman for the next year,” Thomas said. “I want to thank them for this opportunity and say how privileged I feel to be leading this outstanding organization at such a critical time for our industry.”

As senior vice president of state government affairs for UPS, Thomas oversees all state legislative, regulatory and political activities for the U.S. In this role, he directs a team of state and local public affairs managers across the country. He also oversees the UPS Congressional Awareness Program.

“Pat has always been an outstanding advocate for the trucking industry and I have great faith that he will continue to be one in his role as chairman,” said ATA president and CEO Bill Graves. “His passion for trucking will serve this federation and our industry well.”

During his tenure as ATA Chairman, Thomas said he wants to focus on the “Hiring Our Heroes” initiative and hopes to bring more veterans to the trucking industry. He will also fulfill a wide range of responsibilities, including nationally advocating on behalf of the trucking industry, supporting ATA’s legislative efforts and working to further improve the trucking industry’s image.