American Bus Association Announces Key Leadership Expansion to Strengthen Public Affairs and Government Relations Team
Top Lobbyist Callie Hoyt to join the Association as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations
The American Bus Association (ABA), the leading voice in North America’s motorcoach, charter bus, group travel, and tourism industries, is pleased to announce a strategic leadership update to enhance the organization’s advocacy efforts. Effective October 28, Callie Hoyt will join the Association as the new Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations, a newly created role to expand ABA’s leadership and influence in advocacy and public policy.
Callie brings a wealth of experience in government relations and successfully executing impactful advocacy campaigns to ABA’s team. In her most recent role serving as Vice President of Government Relations for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), she successfully represented the boating industry, including marine engine, boat, and accessory manufacturers and related segments such as sportfishing and the broader outdoor industry sector. Her extensive experience across multiple industries and effective advocacy skills will significantly benefit ABA as the association continues to advance its policy agenda on behalf of its diverse membership.
“We are excited to welcome Callie Hoyt to the ABA family,” said Fred Ferguson, President and CEO of the American Bus Association. “Callie is a seasoned trade association executive with a strong track record in the transportation and tourism sectors. She has proven herself to be an exceptionally effective communicator in her ability to articulate complex policy issues clearly and in her talent for building strong relationships with key stakeholders. Her addition to the ABA team will be invaluable in advancing ABA’s advocacy efforts and ensuring our members’ voices are heard in Washington, D.C.”
Prior to her time with NMMA, Callie worked with various trade associations across the transportation sector, including the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, the Trucking Alliance, and the Truckload Carriers Association. She also spent time on Capitol Hill, working for a former House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman and a current U.S. Senator. In 2022, the National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics recognized Callie as a Top Lobbyist.
“As the ABA embarks on a new chapter, I am honored and excited to work alongside the ABA’s dedicated team towards connecting more people with places and delivering high-value results for our members,” said Hoyt. “I look forward to leveraging my experience in advocacy, transportation, and tourism policy to promote the importance of travel in fostering connections and driving extensive economic, societal, and environmental benefits. My underlying focus will be cultivating an inspired and highly effective advocacy arm to shape a brighter future for the group travel industry and the communities we serve.”
In tandem with Hoyt, Suzanne Rohde, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy, will represent ABA in a contract role, supporting the Association’s regulatory agenda through her law firm, Lippes Mathias LLP. Suzanne’s expertise and experience have been critical to ABA’s success, and her continued involvement will ensure that ABA remains well-represented on important regulatory issues.
“Suzanne’s contributions to ABA have been invaluable, and this new role will enable deeper focus and impact on regulatory matters,” added Ferguson. “Together, with Callie, Suzanne, and Lippes Mathias, we are strengthening our ability to unify and elevate ABA’s voice on critical legislative and regulatory issues that impact our members.”
With an expanding public affairs and government relations team, ABA is poised to enhance its advocacy efforts and deliver even greater value to its members as it navigates the complex regulatory and legislative landscape facing motorcoach and charter operators and the entire group travel industry.
