Graves replaces Canary at ATA

Former Kansas Governor Bill Graves has replaced William J. Canary as president & CEO of the American Trucking Assns. Graves' appointment was announced two years ago pending his departure from office in January 2003.

Canary replaced Walter B. McCormick Jr. when he left in July 2001 to head the United States Telephony Assn. He had the interim tag lifted from his title three months later, with the understanding that Graves would take over when his governorship ended. Graves said yesterday that Canary would remain with ATA as an advisor, at least through the group's Winter Leadership Meeting next month. He added that Steve Brooks would remain as chief of staff.

Graves' father, Bill Graves, had founded and operated Graves Truck Lines for almost 50 years, and the younger Graves had expected to take over the company until it was sold in 1979. Graves handled many jobs at the fleet, including front-office management. His father served a term as president of the Kansas Motor Carriers Assn.

Graves received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Kansas Wesleyan University in 1975; he served eight years as Kansas Sec. of State before becoming governor.