News

ATA finds next two presidents

Oct. 30, 2001

NASHVILLE – Lobbying group American Trucking Assns. (ATA) announced who their new president will be, and who will eventually replace him. The interim-tag will be lifted from president & CEO William Canary’s title, but he will relinquish it in 15 months to current Kansas governor William P. Graves. Canary, who replaced Walter B. McCormick Jr. when he left July 1 to head the United States Telephone

Jim Mele

Canary, who replaced Walter B. McCormick Jr. when he left July 1 to head the United States Telephone Assn., will be the man in charge until January 13, 2003, which is the last day of Graves’ gubernatorial term.

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ATA said Graves (left), who once worked for his family’s trucking company, Graves Truck Line, was selected from 75 candidates.

Speaking today at ATA’s annual conference, Canary said the announcement that Graves will eventually take over his post was made to avoid any conflict of interest.

“He made it clear that he is the governor of Kansas and I am the president & CEO of ATA until January 13, 2003,” Canary told Fleet Owner. “Anyone that charges criticism of conflict of interest would be doing it as political agenda.”

Canary said his intention is to let Graves know about issues of importance in the industry.

“I’ll keep him advised of what I am doing, but he won’t interfere in any way with my decisions,” Canary said.

Following a press conference in Topeka, KS, Graves is scheduled to address ATA at its meeting today.

About the Author

Jim Mele

Nationally recognized journalist, author and editor, Jim Mele joined Fleet Owner in 1986 with over a dozen years’ experience covering transportation as a newspaper reporter and magazine staff writer. Fleet Owner Magazine has won over 45 national editorial awards since his appointment as editor-in-chief in 1999.