ATA Selects New Chief Lobbyist

American Trucking Associations has selected Christopher Spear as its new chief of legislative affairs to represent the industry’s views on Capitol Hill, the trucking federation said May 6.

Most recently, Spear was vice president of emerging markets and government relations for Honeywell International. He also served as an assistant secretary of labor in the George W. Bush administration.

ATA President Bill Graves said Spear “brings a wealth of experience from the private sector, which benefits our vital industry as we pursue our legislative priorities on Capitol Hill.”

Mary Phillips had been the trucking federation’s chief lobbyist until earlier this year when she left to set up her own firm. At that time, ATA’s Dave Osiecki was elevated to executive vice president and chief of national advocacy. Spear will report to Osiecki.

“Bringing Chris onboard as our chief of legislative affairs is an important part of our strategic efforts at ATA to more closely align our policy, regulatory and legislative efforts,” Osiecki said.

An ATA statement said Spear’s early challenges will include infrastructure funding, driver hours of service and safety issues.

Spear, who already has started with ATA, holds two degrees from the University of Wyoming.