ABA Expands Board of Directors to Strengthen Leadership and Representation
More seats for small operators, bigger voice for travel partners, and stronger role for manufacturers as ABA prepares for its centennial
Expansion advances strategic plan to grow membership, double events, and re-center on bus operators
The American Bus Association (ABA), North America’s leading trade association representing the motorcoach, charter bus, group travel, and tourism industries, announced a significant expansion of its Board of Directors. The decision aligns with ABA’s rolling three-year strategic plan, which calls for membership growth, a doubling of hosted events, and expanded representation across the bus operator and travel community.
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. 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.”
Re-Centering Around the Bus Operator
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.
Additional Pathways to Serve
ABA’s Board expansion broadens representation across the entire group travel community. Travel sector representation—including DMOs, attractions, and hotels—and tour operator seats 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.
Fred Ferguson, ABA President & CEO, said the board’s decision reflects ABA’s forward-looking approach: “We are in a growth mindset. We need to build the leadership roster that will carry us into our 2026 centennial and beyond. I’m most excited about the diversity of our board—bus operators of all sizes and types, and the partner community whose businesses benefit from a bus full of people. ABA is the ‘big tent’ bus and travel association, and the board’s decision is a major statement that we value our role as the most important connector in the industry.”
Board Seat Breakdown
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.
In total, ABA’s Board now includes 58 seats, with bus operators holding the majority to ensure ABA remains a bus-operator-driven organization.
Process and Next Steps
The American Bus Association (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 November 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 [email protected] no later than November 7, 2025.
New directors are elected by the ABA membership during the Annual Meeting, held at ABA’s Marketplace January 10-13 in Reno, Nevada. Directors serve staggered three-year terms to ensure consistent leadership and continuity of governance.
Photo (top): Terry Fischer (center), ABA’s Board of Directors Chair, flanked by Fred Ferguson (left), ABA’s President & CEO, and Mike Canine (right), ABA’s Board of Directors Vice-Chair
