The Trucking Association Executives Council recently honored Elisabeth Barna, vice president of strategic planning and outreach for the American Trucking Associations, with the J.R. “Bob” Halladay Award for her dedication to the trucking industry.
The Halladay Award, named after former ATA Senior Vice President for Federation Relations Bob Halladay, recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions in assisting and supporting the work and efforts of ATA’s 50 state trucking associations. The periodic award is presented only when the region hosting the TAEC Annual Meeting has determined a person worthy of the award.
The award was presented by Karen Rasmussen — the outgoing TAEC national chair, and president and chief executive officer of the Arizona Trucking Association — at the TAEC Annual Meeting held July 20-24 in Whitefish, Mont.
“It is entirely fitting that TAEC selected Elisabeth Barna to receive the 14th J.R. ‘Bob’ Halladay Award,” Rasmussen says. “State executives who were privileged to work with Bob Halladay recognize many of the same traits in Elisabeth — dedication to the industry, timely responsiveness, creativity and caring, and complete support for the state trucking associations. Much of what she does to help us is behind the scenes and without fanfare or recognition, making this award even more deserved.”
“I am honored that TAEC thought of me for such a prestigious award,” Barna says. “Working with the state trucking associations is extremely rewarding and truly a highlight of my career.”
Halladay served as the first elected chairman of ATA’s TAEC; during his tenure, he wrote “The Story of the American Trucking Associations,” a history of the group published in 1994. “Elisabeth has been a strong link in the ATA Federation concept since her very first day as an ATA staff member,” Halladay says. “I am delighted to see her get this well-deserved recognition, and I congratulate her as well as the entire TAEC.”
TAEC is comprised of staff executives of state trucking associations and conferences affiliated with ATA. TAEC’s mission is to promote the trucking industry; contribute to the improvement of the associations and organizations established to serve the trucking industry; and advance the professional stature and capabilities of the executives of those associations.
