American Bus Association (ABA) Expands Its Board Of Directors

The American Bus Association (ABA) has announced an expansion of its Board of Directors.

ABA Board Chair Terry Fischer said the decision underscores ABA’s long-term commitment to strengthening its leadership and delivering on its strategic plan: “Our plan calls for three major priorities — growing ABA’s membership, doubling the number of events we host to create more opportunities for engagement, and strengthening representation across the entire ecosystem of operators, travel partners, and suppliers.”

Fischer added: “Expanding the board gives us the leadership structure we need to deliver on those goals. It brings more voices to the table, drives collaboration across sectors, and positions ABA to lead with even greater impact as we head toward our centennial and beyond.”

According to a press release, “ABA’s expanded board reaffirms the Association’s commitment to being bus-operator driven, with 35 of its 58 seats dedicated to bus operators. A key change in this expansion is the creation of more seats specifically for small operators, ensuring their voices are represented at the national level. Small businesses make up more than 85% of the motorcoach industry and are the backbone of America’s strategic transportation reserve. Their presence on the board complements ABA’s representation of mid-size and large operators and strengthens the connection to the broader tour and travel community. Leaders from charter, entertainer, rural, and fixed-route operations will represent businesses of all sizes and regions, reinforcing the essential role bus operators play in the nation’s economy and mobility network.”

ABA’s Board expansion broadens representation across the entire group travel community. Tour operator seats and travel sector representation — including DMOs, attractions, and hotels — will increase by 71%, underscoring their critical role in the group travel ecosystem. Recognizing the challenges facing manufacturers and suppliers from tariffs and regulatory burdens, ABA will add five new seats for equipment makers and suppliers — an increase of 166% — ensuring their perspective is included in ABA policy and strategic efforts.

Following this expansion, ABA’s Board of Directors will be comprised of:

• 35 Bus Operator Seats – representing charter, entertainer, rural, and fixed-route operations.
• 6 Tour Operator Seats – reflecting a 50% increase in representation.
• 6 Travel Sector Seats – including DMOs, attractions, and hotels, also a 50% increase.
• 8 Manufacturer and Supplier Seats – up 166%, ensuring stronger representation from equipment makers and suppliers.
• 1 ABA Marketplace Chair Seat – connecting the Board to ABA’s premier industry event.
• 1 ABA Bus Industry Safety Council Chair Seat – increasing alignment on safety priorities.
• 1 National Bus Traffic Association Chair Seat – ensuring coordination across intercity operations.

ABA has been accepting nominations for its expanded Board of Directors since the summer of 2025. To ensure ample opportunity for interested candidates to apply in light of recent governance changes, the nominating window will remain open through Nov. 7, 2025. Eligible candidates must be owners, partners, or senior executives of their company and must remain full-time employees for the duration of their term. Nominations must include a statement of qualifications and be submitted to the Governance Committee Chair, via ABA President & CEO Fred Ferguson, at executiveoffice@buses.org no later than Nov. 7, 2025.

New directors are elected by ABA membership during the Annual Meeting, held in 2026 during the ABA Marketplace on January 10-13, in Reno, NV. Directors serve staggered three-year terms to ensure consistent leadership and continuity of governance.