Alabama Trucking Association to Appoint Interim President
Trucking operators should prepare for a change in association leadership effective December 1.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in People
Chris Cooper is set to become the interim president of the Alabama Trucking Association on December 1, following the resignation of Mark Colson. The leadership transition affects an industry that employs more than 125,000 workers across the state.
Why it matters
The change in leadership follows Colson's move to the American Trucking Associations, placing a long-time industry veteran and former Boyd Bros. Transportation CEO in charge of the state group's advocacy and operations.
The association oversees the interests of an industry employing 125,000 Alabamians. Cooper, who became the board's first third-generation chairman in 2022, will lead the transition while the board finalizes a long-term plan.
The players
Alabama Trucking Association
An industry trade group representing the interests of trucking companies and the more than 125,000 professionals employed in the state sector.
Chris Cooper
The current president of the Alabama Trucking Foundation and former CEO of Boyd Bros. Transportation who will lead the state association.
Mark Colson
The outgoing president of the Alabama Trucking Association who has led the organization since 2019.
American Trucking Associations
The national trade association for the trucking industry, founded in 1933 and led by ten presidents throughout its history.
The details
The board of directors appointed Cooper unanimously to maintain stability during the transition period. Cooper brings executive experience from his time as CEO of Boyd Bros. Transportation and his ongoing leadership at the Alabama Trucking Foundation. Mark Colson will continue assisting with the handover until the end of November.
Timeline
December 1, 2026: Chris Cooper assumes the role of interim president.
November 30, 2026: Mark Colson concludes his tenure as Alabama Trucking Association president.
Market Landscape
The leadership change at the state level reflects a major shift in national industry governance as Colson moves to lead the American Trucking Associations. This transition follows the historical precedent of organizational evolution established since the national body's 1933 founding.
Operators in the trucking sector should monitor upcoming policy priorities as the association shifts to interim leadership. Managing relationships with the new interim president is essential for businesses looking to maintain their advocacy and compliance support through 2027.
The takeaway
The appointment of an experienced former CEO as interim president signals a focus on operational continuity during the executive transition. Owners should keep track of association communications throughout December to identify shifts in advocacy focus that may affect state-level regulatory compliance.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit Alabama People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Yellowhammer News.
