Ben McLean Takes Helm as Chairman of ATRI Board with New Members Strengthening Leadership

Leadership Transition at ATRI

On October 27, 2026, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) announced significant changes within its Board of Directors, appointing Ben McLean as the new Chairman. McLean, the Chief Executive Officer of Ruan Transportation Management Systems, has been part of the ATRI Board since 2017, a testament to his long-term commitment to the trucking industry.

A Testament to Experience

Ben McLean succeeds Derek Leathers, who has completed four years as Chairman. Leathers is known for his influential leadership as the CEO of Werner Enterprises. As McLean steps into his new role, ATRI President and COO Rebecca Brewster expressed her enthusiasm, remarking on McLean's dedication to research excellence and innovation. “His leadership will be pivotal in propelling the Institute towards its research mission,” Brewster stated, also acknowledging Leathers’ contributions during his tenure.

McLean has been with Ruan since 2007, advancing through various leadership positions, including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer. His vast experience within the transportation sector is complemented by his extensive academic background, holding an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a law degree from Northwestern University.

New Board Members Join the Team

Alongside McLean’s election, ATRI welcomed two new members to its Board: Ben Banks and Nathan Meisgeier. Banks serves as the President of TCW, Inc., where his contributions span over 15 years following his graduation from Georgia Southern University. He has been an active member of ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and has significant involvement in industry organizations, further enhancing the Board’s capabilities with his diverse insights.

Nathan Meisgeier, who took office as President and Chief Legal Officer of Werner Enterprises in January 2024, brings a wealth of legal acumen and operational oversight to the Board. With a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and prior experience as a corporate litigator, Meisgeier's legal expertise significantly strengthens ATRI’s governance. He has been with Werner since 2005 and currently oversees critical functions, including Human Resources and Risk Management.

Looking Forward

With Ben McLean at the helm, ATRI is poised to advance its research agenda, which focuses on enhancing the efficiency and safety of freight transportation. The addition of Banks and Meisgeier to the Board not only diversifies its leadership but also positions ATRI to tap into fresh perspectives and insights from different facets of the transportation industry.

As ATRI continues to address pressing issues within the trucking industry, this leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for the organization and its ongoing commitment to research and innovation. The combined expertise of the new leadership team is expected to bring substantial advancements to ATRI’s objectives, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of the trucking industry's research initiatives.