ABA Announces 2026 Award Recipients
Celebrating service, safety, innovation, and more in the motorcoach, group tour, and travel industries
The American Bus Association (ABA) recognized standout leaders and professionals across the motorcoach, group travel, and tourism community during ABA Marketplace 2026, held Jan. 10–13 in Reno. Awards were presented throughout the week to honor excellence in safety, frontline performance, innovation, sustainability, volunteer leadership, and industry partnership.
Marketplace 2026 award recipients
- Motorcoach Driver of the Year: Jose Retana, All Aboard America Holdings
- Norm Littler Memorial Safety Award: Chris Crean, Vice President of Safety & Security, Peter Pan Bus Lines
- NELC Disruptive Innovation Award (sponsored by ABC Companies): Kyle DeVivo, DATTCO & The Bus Network
- Innovative Operator of the Year (in cooperation with METRO Magazine): Anchor Transportation (Nashville, Tenn.)
- Leadership and Environmental Sustainability Award (sponsored by MCI): Pacific Coachways
- ABA Advertiser of the Year (Destinations Magazine): Visit Atlantic City
- Patti Lloyd Lifetime Volunteer Award: Jeffrey Goldwasser
- Serendipity Media TODAY! Award: Terry Fischer (Transportation Charter Services, Polynesian Adventure, Royal Coach Tours)
- BUSRide Good Stewardship Award: Jack Kauffman, Timi’s Tours
- Wayne Chandler Spirit of Partnership Award: Sandy Haines (posthumous), Myrtle Beach CVB; accepted by Lori Lampley, Visit Myrtle Beach
Motorcoach Driver of the Year Award
The Motorcoach Driver of the Year Award recognizes an over-the-road professional who goes above and beyond, executing safe motorcoach operation while delivering an exceptional passenger experience. Marketplace 2026’s recipient, Jose Retana of All Aboard America Holdings, was honored for professionalism and performance that reflect the very best of the driver community.
Norm Littler Memorial Safety Award
One of the motorcoach industry’s highest safety honors, the Norm Littler Memorial Safety Award recognizes significant contributions to the profession of safety and leadership that elevate standards across the industry. This year’s recipient, Chris Crean of Peter Pan Bus Lines, was recognized for decades of sustained work strengthening a safety-first culture and influencing best practices beyond his own operation.
NELC Disruptive Innovation Award (sponsored by ABC Companies)
Presented by ABA’s Next Era Leadership Council, the Disruptive Innovation Award recognizes an individual driving meaningful change and advancement for the motorcoach, travel, and tourism industry—strengthening its long-term health, vision, and sustainability. The honoree reflects ongoing dedication to advancing the industry, a working understanding of sustainable tourism, and the economic importance of the sector. This year’s recipient is Kyle DeVivo, recognized for forward-looking leadership and a clear commitment to building what’s next for the industry.
METRO Magazine Innovative Operator of the Year
Presented in cooperation with METRO Magazine, the Innovative Operator of the Year recognition spotlights a company that is modernizing operations and improving service through innovation, technology, and leadership. Anchor Transportation, based in Nashville, was named the 2026 honoree, recognized for a transformation focused on safety outcomes, operational visibility, and a more connected experience for both customers and employees.
Leadership and Environmental Sustainability Award (sponsored by MCI)
The Leadership and Environmental Sustainability Award recognizes leadership in environmentally responsible investment and business practices, highlighting operators that treat sustainability as an operating principle, not a slogan. Pacific Coachways received this year’s award for its commitment to forward-looking practices that strengthen long-term operational resilience.
ABA Advertiser of the Year
Destinations Magazine’s Advertiser of the Year recognition highlights a partner whose consistent support strengthens industry storytelling, insight-sharing, and connection across the marketplace ecosystem. Visit Atlantic City received this year’s honor as a year-round supporter that reliably shows up for the group travel community. Award to Jack Kauffman of Timi’s Tours.
Destinations Magazine introduced and presented the first ABA Advertiser of the Year recognition to Visit Atlantic City, honoring consistent partnership and support that strengthens industry storytelling and connection.
Patti Lloyd Lifetime Volunteer Award
The Patti Lloyd Lifetime Volunteer Award recognizes sustained volunteer service that strengthens ABA and the broader industry community over time. This year’s recipient, Jeffrey Goldwasser, was honored for long-standing commitment and steady leadership, including support that helped keep people connected when the industry needed it most.
Serendipity Media TODAY! Award
Presented by Serendipity Media and Groups Today, the TODAY! Award recognizes an ABA member making real impact now, with emphasis on relevancy, growth, advocacy, and innovation. This year’s recipient, Terry Fischer, was honored for leadership that blends operational strength with momentum-building creativity and industry engagement.
BUSRide Magazine Good Stewardship Award
Presented by BUSRide Magazine, the Good Stewardship Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies responsible leadership and service to the industry. This year’s recipient, Jack Kauffman of Timi’s Tours, was honored for steady stewardship and a leadership style rooted in accountability and community.
Wayne Chandler Spirit of Partnership Award
The Wayne Chandler Spirit of Partnership Award honors the kind of relationship-driven leadership that keeps group travel moving, recognizing creative partnership-building that supports destinations and market segments. This year’s award was presented posthumously to Sandy Haines of the Myrtle Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, accepted in her honor by Lori Lampley of Visit Myrtle Beach. The presentation recognized a legacy defined by mentorship, warmth, and a career spent connecting people and opportunities.
