2027-2029 Western States Trucking Association Executive Committee Elections

It’s time for the election of a new Western States Trucking Association (WSTA) Executive Committee. The Executive Committee (or EC) acts for the Board when the Board is not in session and plays a vital role in the on-going operations of the association and its subsidiaries, AADT, AAA&C and all the rest.

A member election mailer will be sent along with a ballot to all regular members in good standing as of October 1st. You can vote online at https://secure.westrk.org/voting/ (your unique ballot code is required for online voting). You can also return ballots by mail, fax or email. Ballots must be postmarked or transmitted electronically by October 31st. The EC will be serving a term of two or three years (a bylaw change is also on the ballot that would change the current 2-year term to a 3-year term).

The EC’s Role

This committee plays a very important roll both in leadership and non-profit compliance; to volunteer is an important two-year, six meeting commitment (minimum), and the role the Executive Committee plays is very important for the organization.
Specific responsibilities outlined in the Association’s By-laws include:

  • Advisory Duties – The EC advises the WSTA Board of Directors in support of its decision-making processes. The committee typically meets (via conference call) more frequently than the board, and moves more nimbly. The committee has the authority to act on its behalf, although such authority does have limitations based on the committee’s defined purpose. With regard to investment and strategic planning decisions, the committee might not take action itself, but instead report on the results of research and make recommendations to the board.
  • Ad-Hoc Committee Oversight – Executive Committee members can be appointed to support special projects and oversee other, ad-hoc committees, often comprised of lower-tier members of management or even nonmanagement personnel. The member appointed in this role provides leadership to these other committees, making sure objectives are met. This leader receives and reviews status reports and then provides updates to the executive committee, serving as a conduit between the ad-hoc committees and the board of directors.
  • Policy Development – The EC can be called upon to oversee policy development pertaining to ethics, security guidelines, quality management, human resources, environmental and regulatory requirements. Policy development can involve several committee members providing oversight to various ad-hoc committees, the members of which do the legwork in gathering legal and other requirements and drafting policy documentation. It will be the committee’s responsibility to ensure that all tasks are completed to first establish the policies and then roll them out effectively across the organization.
  • Workplace Issues – In addition to serving the needs of the board, executive committee members serve the needs of the workplace. Workplace issues or concerns that require executive oversight will reach the executive committee level. Committee members must then decide which issues can stop there, and which must be moved further upward for board-level direction. Examples can include the identification of financial or regulatory risks that are first encountered or recognized at the employee level and subsequently elevated through the levels of management.

WSTA 2024 Executive Committee Candidates

Candidate for President and 1st Southern Vice President: Jesus Fuentes
Chapter: SoCal

Years as a member: Since 2012, 14 years

Trucking Business Experience:
I started as an Owner Operator in the trucking industry in 1998. Through consistency and hard work, I was able to grow into running a larger trucking business. That experience has taught me the challenges drivers face on the road and the responsibilities that come with operating a business. I don’t claim to know everything, but I’ve been through many of the same struggles our members face, and I understand the importance of staying practical, safe, and responsible in this industry.

How would you improve the association?
I believe the Association works best when leadership listens. As President, my focus would be to keep communication simple and open. I want members to feel heard and to know their concerns are being taken seriously. I would stay accessible and listen to members’ concerns by keeping communication clear and consistent and support and work closely with the board to make practical decisions. My goal is not to change everything, but to strengthen what we already have and make sure it works for everyone.

How would you improve the industry?
The trucking industry depends on the people doing the work every day. As President, I would focus on supporting drivers and small business owners, speaking up for fair regulations that make sense in realworld operations, promoting safety and responsibility on the road and help create opportunities for others to grow in this industry with the aid of this association. I believe leadership means showing up, doing the work, and representing others honestly. That’s what I would aim to do.

Candidate for President and 1st Southern Vice President: Victor Vasquez
Chapter: SoCal

Years as a member: Since 2012, 11 years

Trucking Business Experience:
In the 20 years of my business – W.S. Boys – I have dedicated my time as a member of the WSTA in good standing. Initially I began my business with 2 super 10 trucks. I loved volunteering at smoke testing sites and truck shows for our association. Soon after I joined, I volunteered as a chapter chairperson for the San Gabriel Valley. I represent the Coalition of American Latino Truckers and proudly represent the WSTA as the 1st southern vice president.

WSTA State Offices Held:
2016 – Present: 1st Southern Vice President

How would you improve the association?
I would personally reach out to invite new/old members for better participation. I will continue to stay updated with all topics in our industry. Use Zoom meetings to stay relevant and save money.

How would you improve the industry?
I decided 20 years ago to stay updated and defend the rights of truckers from the beginning. Working side by site with our legal counsel, Lee Brown, and Sean Edgar has motived me to fight for our industry. I am currently to assist in WSTA v. CARB and Vasquez v. CA.

Candidate for 1st Northern Vice President: John Pitta
Chapter: Monterey Bay

Years as a member: Since 1989, 37 years

Trucking Business Experience:
60 years driving

WSTA State Offices Held:
2018 – Present: 1nd Northern Vice President

How would you improve the association?
I would like to see more member participation.

How would you improve the industry?
Keep opposing the CARB rulings that greatly negatively affect our industry.

Candidate for 2nd Northern Vice President: Tom Santoro
Chapter: Monterey Bay

Years as a member: Since 2005, 21 years

Trucking Business Experience:
Driver and owner-operator from 1978 – 2025 – fleet of 42 trucks. Flatbed, refer, transfer, bottom, end dump, heavy haul.

WSTA State Offices Held:
2018 – 2023: 2nd Northern Vice President
2024-2026: President

How would you improve the association?
Stay involved as much as possible with the WSTA. Continue to promote, educate and encourage truckers to join. Strength in numbers! Make sure we all try to bring the younger generation into the transportation industry and the WSTA.

How would you improve the industry?
Stay focused on running an ethical trucking business. Being a leader and setting a solid example for other transportation companies. Work with my team to always find ways to improve our business and provide the best services to my clients and give my positive input to the WSTA and the industry to thrive.

Candidate for 2nd Southern Vice President: Aaron Rodriguez
Chapter: SoCal

Years as a member: Since 2012, 14 years

Trucking Business Experience:
I am a third-generation trucker. My grandfather started J. G. Rodriguez Trucking in 1974. We have been through numerous ups and down cycles in this industry and have been fortunate to make it through some very tough years. We have been able to navigate a quickly changing industry environment both from a human resource level to the operational level.

WSTA State Offices Held:
2014 – 2015: 2nd Southern Vice President
2016 – 2017: President
2020 – Present: Secretary

How would you improve the association?
I think that it is important that the Association continue to help small business. It is necessary that the association continue to receive input directly from the businesses that it serves so that it may utilize its resources where they will be most effective.

How would you improve the industry?
One of the biggest ways that I would like to improve the industry is to help educate the owner operators and small businesses on methods of exercising our rights in this fast moving and ever changing industry. It is not sufficient enough to just get up, go to work, work hard, and maintain your equipment. It’s a much bigger battle getting paid for services in a timely manner and to keep up with the licenses and certifications required by the state or local municipalities. I have always tried to communicate experiences that I have had to others in this industry so we can continue to move forward as an industry and will continue to do so.

Candidate for Treasurer: David Theard
Chapter: SoCal

Years as a member: Since 2012, 14 years

Trucking Business Experience:
Current senior employee of Monzon & Son Enterprises, where we truck it ALL!

How would you improve the association?
By communicating to and attracting more truckers to become members. Put members thoughts and opinions into associating perspective.

How would you improve the industry?
By supporting bills that help the industry and fighting to stop regulations with hidden interest.

Candidate for Secretary: Sandra Alzate
Chapter: SoCal

Years as a member: Since 2008, 18 years

Trucking Business Experience:
Continue to participate in Board Meetings and events related to the Association. Market the Association’s benefits to generate new membership.

WSTA State Offices Held:
2020 – 2024: President
2016 – 2019: Secretary

How would you improve the association?
Continue to participate in Board Meetings and events related to the Association. Market the Association’s benefits to generate new membership.

How would you improve the industry?
Participation within the Association and advising other trucking companies/owner operators on the importance of compliance and safety within our industry.
Summary of Oral Argument in San Francisco: California v. USA; Court of Appeals...