The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has named current Kansas Gov. Bill Graves to take over as its president and chief executive officer when he completes his gubernatorial term in early 2003, ATA Chairman Duane Acklie announced on Oct. 30 at the Management Conference & Exhibition. The Kansas Republican comes from the Graves Truck Line family. He served two terms as the Kansas secretary of state before winning the gubernatorial race in 1994. He was re-elected in 1998 with 73 percent of the vote. In addition, Acklie said that William Canary, who has been interim president and CEO since July 1, was named effective Tuesday, Oct. 30, to be the permanent president/CEO for a term ending Jan. 13, 2003. Graves would take the helm at the association the following day, Acklie said. Canary had early on removed himself for consideration for the top job for any extended period, citing family considerations that require him to reside in Alabama, instead of near the ATA’s headquarters in Alexandria, VA. Canary’s tenure as head of the organization has already included a flurry of high-level policy activity that resulted from the national crisis sparked by the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. Federal security officials have expressed concern that future terrorist attacks could focus on hazardous materials that trucks routinely carry. ATA has been helping its members respond to that potential threat by coordinating efforts with federal safety agencies. Under Canary’s leadership, ATA has asked for federal help in investigating alleged price gouging by some fuel dealers and some insurance companies in the wake of the terrorist attacks.