ATRI elects Ruan CEO as board chairman, adds two members
Key Highlights
- ATRI's leadership transition brings new industry executives to its board and research priorities.
- Ben McLean succeeds Derek Leathers as ATRI board chairman after four years of leadership.
- ATRI's incoming leadership will address emerging technologies and persistent trucking industry challenges.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has elected Ben McLean, CEO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems, as chairman of its Board of Directors and appointed two new members as the trucking research organization prepares for a leadership transition.
McLean succeeds Derek Leathers, chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises, who completed four years as ATRI board chairman. McLean joined the 13-member board in October 2017.
ATRI also appointed Ben Banks, president of TCW Inc., and Nathan Meisgeier, president and chief legal officer of Werner Enterprises, to its board.
“We are excited to have Ben McLean lead the ATRI Board,” said Rebecca Brewster, ATRI president and COO. “His commitment to research excellence and innovation will help drive the Institute forward for years to come.”
The board changes come as Brewster prepares to retire in early 2027 after 34 years with ATRI, including 25 years leading the organization. Page Siplon is set to succeed her as president and COO in February 2027.
Siplon plans to prepare ATRI for a future shaped by challenges like artificial intelligence and autonomous trucks, alongside ongoing carrier concerns such as volatile fuel prices, insurance costs, and driver shortages.
McLean has served as Ruan's CEO since 2015, after joining the company in 2007 and holding several corporate and operational leadership positions. His previous experience includes roles with William Blair & Company and Deloitte's Technology Consulting practice. He holds degrees in business, law, and computer engineering from Northwestern University.
Banks has worked at TCW for more than 15 years and has served as both a member and chair of ATRI's Research Advisory Committee. He also serves as chair of Truck PAC and on the Georgia Trucking Association Executive Committee.
Meisgeier joined Werner in 2005 and became president and chief legal officer in January 2024. His responsibilities include oversight of legal, safety, risk, human resources, government affairs, recruiting, terminal management, and security. He also chairs the American Trucking Associations' Legal Reform Advisory Committee.
