American Trucking Associations announced it has hired Caroline Decker as its new vice president of legislative affairs.

'With nearly 20 years of experience working on Capitol Hill ' both as a staffer and representing the interests of transportation, Caroline brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ATA,' Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Mary Phillips said. 'ATA's members can be confident in Caroline's ability to represent them on the many critical issues facing them in Washington.'

'When the opportunity arose to join an association that is so respected on Capitol Hill and around Washington, I was immediately interested,' Decker said. 'From my earliest experiences in Washington, I've seen how well thought of the trucking industry, and ATA, is and I'm excited to become a part of that.'

Decker comes to ATA after more than eight years of handing government affairs issues for Amtrak. Prior to that, Decker was Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to former Rep. Bob Clement (D-Tenn.) and represented the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Decker holds a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University and is active in a number of charitable organizations in the Washington area.