The American Trucking Associations has hired Department of Transportation veteran John Drake as its senior vice president of legislative affairs.

“ATA’s members deserve the very best representation on Capitol Hill, advocating on their behalf,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “I’m pleased that John will be joining our team, further elevating our talent pool and helping advance the trucking industry’s agenda.”

Prior to joining ATA, Drake held several posts within the Department of Transportation, including deputy administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, deputy assistant secretary for transportation policy, and director of governmental affairs for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Drake also has experience on Capitol Hill, serving as professional staff for both the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation committee’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials subcommittee.

“John’s skills and relationships with the executive branch and both the House and the Senate will help us make the case for trucking our members need us to make,” said Bill Sullivan, ATA executive vice president for advocacy. “Just as importantly, John has the energy and intensity to help us win.”