Shaun Egan, the president and CEO of Iron Woman Construction and Environmental Services in Denver, has been elected chairman of the politically influential Colorado Motor Carriers Association, the state’s trucking industry advocacy group.

The Colorado Motor Carriers Association is one of the key players in Colorado’s transportation debate, as lawmakers continue to try to find ways to fund $20 billion in road, bridge and transit needs to keep up with growth over the next two decades, according to the state’s estimate.

The association represents more than 600 companies directly engaged in or affiliated with trucking and transportation in Colorado. Those companies include more than 100,000 people and a payroll of more $5.0 billion, CMCA said.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead CMCA in the upcoming year which is a crucial one for our industry and our state,” Egan said in a statement. “Our highest priority in the next year is to address the state’s transportation needs and work with others to provide the funding for a transportation system, not only for our current needs but those of the future.

“More than anyone else, our members pay the price in additional time, cost, and maintenance associated with our congested highways and our deteriorating roadways and bridges.”

Egan served as the first vice chairman of the association last year and success Barb Delles of Colorado Motor Express Inc.

“Shaun has demonstrated in his own business and personal life the type of leadership and vision that will serve our industry well,” said Greg Fulton, president of the CMCA. “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of his caliber and skills leading our organization in the next year.”

An advocate for safety and environmental sustainability, Egan has more than 20 years; experience in the transportation and construction, growing his small business into “one of Colorado’s premiere trucking companies in the construction area,” the association said.

At the association’s annual meeting last month, Iron Woman received the Green Fleet Award from the Regional Air Quality Council and Colorado Motor Carriers Association for its work on reducing its fleet’s emissions