The American Trucking Associations appoints Mark Colson as its next president and CEO, with his new role effective Dec. 1. Colson currently leads The Alabama Trucking Association and will continue there through the end of November while the groups manage the transition.
The Washington, D.C.-headquartered advocacy organization said Colson brings over 20 years of experience building lasting coalitions. He has led The Alabama Trucking Association for the last seven years, according to the organization’s separate news release. The appointment places a state association leader with an established role across the federation at the helm of the national group.
Trucking Associations Appoints a Leader With Federation Experience
Before leading the Alabama group, Colson held key roles at the Business Council of Alabama. Those positions included interim president, SVP of government affairs and chief of staff, according to the trucking groups. The source does not give dates for those roles.
Colson also chaired the Trucking Association Executives Council task force that developed the Trucking Resurgent action plan in December 2025. The association said the plan aimed to “close the regulatory gaps exploited by noncompliant carriers and unqualified drivers.” The description and stated purpose belong to the association; the source does not detail specific policy proposals.
In July 2026, Colson was elected vice chairman of the Trucking Association Executives Council. He also serves on the ATA’s Strategic Priorities Committee and Truck PAC, as well as the American Transportation Research Institute’s Research Advisory Committee, the groups said.
Succession Continues Through the End of the Year
Colson’s incoming appointment follows a succession plan at the national association, while his state-level leadership has its own handoff. He is expected to remain in his Alabama role through the end of November. He will also assist that organization in December and thereafter while its board takes the time needed to find a long-term replacement.
The two transitions have distinct schedules: Colson’s ATA presidency begins Dec. 1, and the Alabama board’s search for a long-term replacement continues beyond his time as its leader. The source does not identify an interim successor or set a deadline for that search.
ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen, CEO of Groendyke Transport, said the organization’s mission for more than 90 years has been to give trucking a strong voice in decisions shaping its future. Hodgen said Colson would bring “fresh energy and a clear vision” to advancing industry priorities and delivering greater value for members. Those are Hodgen’s expectations, not additional details about Colson’s future agenda.
Incoming ATA Chairman Derek Leathers, CEO of Werner Enterprises, said Washington decisions affect how companies operate, invest and serve customers. He said the industry needs a unified voice so policymakers understand those realities and support policies that enable trucking to keep America moving.
Colson Points to Continued Advocacy
Colson described the industry as being on the verge of a trucking resurgence, while saying advocacy must continue as industry leaders climb out of what he called one of the deepest and longest freight recessions in history. That assessment was Colson’s statement in the ATA release.
The association’s leadership transition will take effect Dec. 1, while Colson’s Alabama duties continue through November. His subsequent assistance and the board’s long-term replacement search will carry the state group’s handoff into December and beyond. Readers can compare this transition with the Wyoming Business Council’s interim CEO search, another leadership handoff covered by CEO Official Mag.
Other CEO succession coverage includes Langan’s incoming CEO and Family Promise’s leadership transition. For this appointment, the next stated milestone is Dec. 1, when Colson is set to begin leading the American Trucking Associations.