Fikes Truck Line, Hope, Ark., announced the promotion of Gary Salisbury to president and CEO, while Jerry Davis has been named executive vice president.

Jim Smith, owner and former president, will continue in his position as chairman of the board.

"Both Gary and Jerry have been here since the beginning," Smith said. "Their promotions are well-deserved and allow us to capitalize on our strengths. These changes will create more opportunities for everyone and solidify the future of Fikes."

Salisbury and Davis were the first two contractors signed on by Smith. After years of hauling goods for Fikes, they became members of the staff, heading the dispatch and safety departments.

In his tenure at Fikes, Gary Salisbury has worked in almost every aspect of the company including dispatch, sales and recruiting. Most recently, he was senior vice president and COO, a position he held since 2003.

Jerry Davis spent five years hauling for Fikes until Jim Smith asked him to found a safety department in 1986. Davis built the company's safety and insurance program from the ground up, with a dual focus on the interests of contractors and company. In his role as executive vice president, he will oversee all departments,