Derek J. Leathers

 

Derek J. Leathers is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Werner Enterprises, serving as Chairman since May 2021 and CEO since May 2016. He was Vice Chairman in 2020-21 and President from 2011 to January 2024. Throughout his tenure at Werner, he has held integral roles in many facets of the organization, including the establishment of the Company’s Mexico operations and oversight for all asset operating groups. Leathers has worked in the transportation and logistics industry for more than 30 years. Prior to joining Werner in 1999, he was employed by Schneider National for eight years, during which time he was based in Mexico City and was one of the first foreign members of Mexico’s trucking association (CANACAR).

Leathers holds an economics degree from Princeton University. In addition to his corporate leadership, he is deeply committed to the Omaha community and the transportation industry. He serves as the board chair of the American Transportation Research Institute, vice-chair of the American Trucking Associations, and on the board of SkyWest Incorporated.

Locally, Leathers is an active member of the Greater Omaha Chamber Executive Committee and previously served as Board Secretary. He also serves on the boards of the Omaha Development Foundation, United Way of the Midlands, and is a Trustee for Creighton University. A champion for youth, he is the founder of the PlaySmart Leadership Academy. Most recently, Derek and his wife, Nicole — who are also the 2027 United Way Campaign Chairs — chaired Zoofari 2025, which raised record-breaking funds for conservation and education at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

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