Suzanne Thornburg Named Busline Magazine’s ‘Women To Recognize In Busing’ Award Winner

Suzanne Thornburg

The first annual Busline Magazine “Women To Recognize In Busing” award is being presented to Suzanne Thornburg, President & CEO of Alabama-based Capital Motor Lines DBA Capital Trailways and Colonial Trailways. The award recognizes female leaders in the public and private bus industries whose accomplishments have set a solid foundation for all women to succeed in the future.

Thornburg has been part of day-to-day operations of Capital and Colonial Trailways since April 2019, after holding a board of directors’ position with the companies starting in 2011, shortly after the passing of her ex-husband, Frank Montgomery III. He had owned and operated the companies prior to his death in 2010. Thornburg initially joined the board in the interest of her four then-minor children, who represent the fifth generation of family ownership.

Thornburg took the helm of the companies on a full-time basis less than one year prior to the COVID pandemic devastating bus transportation. With her grit, determination, and “faith over fear” philosophy, Thornburg successfully guided company team members and made tough decisions to help sustain the business through the unknown. Today, Capital and Colonial Trailways have experienced renewed growth. Thornburg is quick to acknowledge the rebound has truly been a team effort.

“Somebody once told me that to be a good leader you must surround yourself with people who have knowledge about the things that you don’t,” Thornburg said. “We have been truly blessed at Capital and Colonial Trailways with a strong group of professionals who help our business, and me, in a positive and impactful way.”

Thornburg has also been active in promoting the bus industry in various ways. That includes sitting on the American Bus Association (ABA) Foundation Board, as well as the Trailways Board of Directors, of which she serves as treasurer. She is also a member of the Trailways Executive Committee, ABA’s Women in Buses Council, and has been active with the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) and the Alabama Motorcoach Association (AMA).

Busline Magazine would like to thank Suzanne Thornburg for her hard work and dedication to the bus industry. We would also like to recognize the other nominees for this first-ever award. Their stories can be read in the September/October 2024 issue of Busline Magazine. Visit https://online.fliphtml5.com/lmmar/xmrg/#p=1