The National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO) has appointed Max McBrayer Jr., the former CEO of convenience-store chain RaceTrac, as its president and CEO, effective Tuesday. The Alexandria, Virginia-based trade association represents truck stops, travel centers and off-highway fuel retailers across the country.
McBrayer succeeds Darren Boyd Schulte, who served as NATSO’s interim CEO since January. Lisa Mullings, who was CEO for 20 years, stepped down at the end of 2024.
McBrayer will also be president of the NATSO Foundation, the organization said Tuesday in a news release.
“I am honored to assume the role of NATSO president and CEO at such a pivotal time for the industry and the association,” McBrayer said. “I am committed to working with NATSO’s board of directors and the leadership team to execute a strategic framework that will drive sustainable growth while strengthening member relationships, positioning NATSO for the future while ensuring the association meets the needs of its members.”
McBrayer has more than four decades of leadership experience across the transportation energy sections, NATSO said. Prior to being CEO of RaceTrac, McBrayer was also president of RaceTrac subsidiary Metroplex Energy, a wholesale fuel supply and trading company. He was also president of The Ethanol Corp.
“The board of directors congratulates Max on joining NATSO and on his appointment as president and CEO,” said Joe Zietlow, NATSO chairman of the board. “Max brings a deep understanding of the fuel retail and transportation energy industries and their customers to this leadership position. The board has full confidence that Max will build on his distinguished career to serve NATSO’s members.”
McBrayer became RaceTrac’s CEO in February 2019, and held the role until Natalie Morhous, a third-generation RaceTrac leader, took over in January 2024. The Atlanta-based retailer had 592 stores as of Jan. 1, and 241 stores under its RaceWay brand.
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