Werner Enterprises Chairman, President, and CEO Derek Leathers was named chairman of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) board of directors, the organization announced on Nov. 1.
Leathers was first appointed in 2015 to the ATRI board, which is made up of 13 trucking industry CEOs. Werner is No. 12 on the FleetOwner 500: For-Hire list.
“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,” Rebecca Brewster, ATRI president, said. “We look forward to his tenure as ATRI Chair.”
Leathers succeeds Judy McReynolds, ArcBest’s chairman, president, and CEO. She served as ATRI chairwoman for eight years. ArcBest is No. 27 on the FleetOwner 500: For-Hire.
“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,” Chris Spear, American Trucking Associations’ president and CEO, said. “Derek is the perfect choice to continue ATRI’s leadership in advancing the industry’s safety and productivity.”
Leathers has more than 30 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry. During his more than 20 years with Werner, he has served many roles—including the formation of Werner’s Mexico cross-border operations and oversight for the asset operating groups leading the launch of Werner Global Logistics.
In addition to his position on the ATRI board, Leathers serves on other boards, including American Trucking Associations and Omaha Chamber of Commerce. He is the founder and national director of PlaySmart, a non-profit organization that helps underserved students realize their academic and life potential through sports.
Before joining Werner in 1999, Leathers was one of the first foreign members of Mexico's trucking association and was based out of Mexico City for several years. He holds an economics degree from Princeton University.
