Rebecca Brewster to Retire as President of ATRI After 34 Years of Service

Rebecca Brewster Plans to Retire

Rebecca Brewster, the President of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), has made the significant announcement of her retirement set for early 2027. This decision comes after an impressive tenure of 34 years, during which she spent 25 years in leadership roles, showcasing her commitment to the trucking industry. Throughout her career at ATRI, Brewster was instrumental in evolving the organization into the most respected source of industry data and analysis.

ATRI has gained a reputation for its research excellence under Brewster’s guidance, receiving numerous awards recognizing its contributions to the trucking industry. According to Brewster, "Serving the trucking industry through ATRI has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and I sincerely appreciate the Board's long-time support and confidence in my leadership."

The organization’s Board of Directors, helmed by Derek Leathers, who is also the Chairman of Werner Enterprises, is already mobilizing to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. A search committee has been formed to identify Brewster’s successor, with Brenda Neville, the President and CEO of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, taking the lead. Derek Leathers stated, "Rebecca's leadership of ATRI has made a lasting impact on the trucking industry. We are grateful for her three decades of leadership and the legacy she will leave behind."

As part of her transition plan, Brewster expressed confidence in ATRI's capability to continue its mission of conducting critical research aimed at enhancing safety and productivity within the industry. She indicated that she looks forward to collaborating with the new leader during the transition phase.

The search for the new President will commence in May 2026. Updates regarding the search and selection process will be made available on ATRI’s official website, TruckingResearch.org. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, ATRI is dedicated to researching freight transportation's essential role in ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient transportation system.

In conclusion, as Brewster prepares to step down after a notable year, her legacy within ATRI and the trucking industry will undoubtedly continue to be felt for years to come. The future of ATRI and the impact it will have on trucking research remain bright, driven by the foundational work laid by Brewster over the past three decades.