The American Trucking Associations (ATA) announced last week its 2026-2027 LEAD ATA class, a year-long initiative that develops the next generation of trucking industry leaders. Ruan is proud to announce that Ben Steines, Maintenance Operations Leader, was selected among 14 candidates for the program’s 14th year.
We sat down with Ben to learn what he's looking forward to in the coming year. Check out our Q&A below!
What does it mean to you to represent Ruan as part of LEAD ATA?
It is an incredible honor to be selected for this program and represent Ruan on a national level. The transportation industry has provided me opportunities to grow throughout my 15-year career, and I am excited to learn alongside a talented group of leaders from across the industry.
What are you most excited about as you begin this journey?
I am looking forward to connecting with professionals from across the industry and learning from their experiences. Having spent most of my career in maintenance, this is a unique opportunity to broaden my perspective and gain a deeper understanding of areas such as policy, technology, and industry advocacy.
Why is it important for professionals to get involved in industry programs like Lead ATA?
Programs like LEAD ATA help strengthen our industry by bringing together different perspectives and creating opportunities to learn, advocate, and build relationships. The more people who get involved and share their experiences, the stronger our industry becomes.
By the end of the program, what would make the experience a success for you?
If I can encourage more people to become involved and help make a positive impact, I will consider the program a success.