(Editor’s note: This story has new information from its original publication.)

Chris Spear has departed as president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations.

In a letter sent to members on Friday and signed by ATA chairman Greg Hodgen, CEO of Groendyke Transport, Hodgen said Spear’s “tenure as president and CEO has concluded, effective today.” The letter did not say whether Spear left voluntarily or whether the association decided to end his tenure.

Later on Friday, ATA issued a statement saying Spear had told the organization he was leaving.

“Chris Spear informed our Executive Committee today that he will be departing the American Trucking Associations, effective immediately,” the statement said. “On behalf of ATA, I thank Chris for more than a decade of service to the association and our industry. During his tenure, ATA secured significant policy victories, strengthened its advocacy operation, and elevated trucking’s voice in Washington.”

In the letter to members, Hodgen said one of Spear’s accomplishments was “assembling an exceptionally talented and experienced team to represent this industry.” He said ATA has “the advocacy horsepower to keep advancing our priorities without missing a beat.”

“From our policy experts and technical professionals to our government affairs and communications teams, we have a world-class operation working together to deliver results for our members,” Hodgen wrote. “That depth, expertise, and shared sense of purpose will continue to drive our association forward, regardless of who is at the wheel.”

Hodgen said a search has begun to identify ATA’s next president and CEO, underscoring the role the trade group plays in representing carriers on policy and regulatory issues in Washington.

“In the meantime, I want to assure you that ATA remains strong, focused and fully engaged in delivering results for our members,” Hodgen said. “Our mission has not changed. Our advocacy agenda remains intact.”

Spear had recently marked his 10-year anniversary as president and CEO of the organization. More significantly, he had just begun an extension of his contract. A five-year deal signed in 2021 was extended in 2024 through 2029.

Before returning to ATA, Spear was vice president of government affairs at Hyundai Motor Co. He previously served at ATA as senior vice president for legislative affairs. He also held a government relations role at Honeywell International and served in several positions in the federal government.