Honoring Excellence: 2025 Women in Buses Awards
The Council continues spotlighting incredible women leading the way in transportation
The American Bus Association’s Women in Buses Council (WIB) continues to recognize and celebrate outstanding women who have significantly contributed to the motorcoach, tourism, and transportation industries. This year, two remarkable leaders, Erin Sullivan and Lori Tokarz, have been honored for their exceptional achievements and dedication to advancing women in transportation.
Women in Buses Award: Erin Sullivan
Erin Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer at H&L Bloom and Bloom’s Bus Lines, has received the prestigious Women in Buses Award for her unwavering commitment to industry progress. A past Women in Buses Council Chair, Erin played a crucial role in expanding WIB’s reach from a small group to a thriving network of nearly 400 professionals.
During her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives such as establishing WIB’s presence at ABA Marketplace and launching virtual programming during the pandemic. Her innovative approach to mentorship, education, and professional development has provided women in the industry with valuable resources and support to grow in their careers.
Beyond WIB, Erin has been a key advocate in addressing the driver shortage by creating the “Driving Force” initiative and developing tools to attract and retain drivers. Her expertise has also been recognized nationally—she was appointed by the Secretary of Transportation to serve on the Women of Trucking Advisory Board, where she provides crucial insights on policies affecting women in transportation. Erin was also recently voted in as one of the three newest members of the ABA Board of Directors.
Through her leadership, advocacy, and dedication, Erin has left an indelible mark on the industry, paving the way for future generations of women in transportation.
Women in Buses Operational Excellence Award: Lori Tokarz
Lori Tokarz, Director of Operations at Sun Diego Charter, part of the All Aboard America Holdings family of brands, has been honored with the Women in Buses Operational Excellence Award for 2025. With over 25 years in the transportation industry, Lori’s journey from Front Office Receptionist to Operations Director is a testament to her resilience, leadership, and dedication to excellence.
Lori’s leadership in safety has been a defining aspect of her career. She has implemented continuous driver training programs that exceed industry standards, enhancing driver performance, customer satisfaction, and safety records. Under her guidance, Sun Diego Charter operates a fleet of over 35 vehicles, covering over a million miles annually while maintaining an outstanding safety record.
Managing nearly 50 drivers with five direct reports, Lori fosters a culture of teamwork and respect. Her commitment to operational efficiency ensures that her drivers have the support they need to perform their jobs effectively. Beyond her company, she mentors managers across the industry, sharing her knowledge and helping others grow in their roles.
Her passion for driver welfare, community engagement, and operational excellence has made her a role model for many. Her philosophy, embodied in the phrase, “She believed she could, so she did,” reflects the determination and impact she has had in shaping the transportation industry.
Celebrating Women in Transportation
The Women in Buses Council continues to spotlight the incredible women leading the way in transportation. The 2025 awards recognize Erin Sullivan and Lori Tokarz for their outstanding contributions and inspire the next generation of women in the industry. Congratulations to Erin and Lori for their well-deserved honors!
