Meet ABA’s New Director of Marketing and Membership
A personal message from ABA's newest team member.
Hello! I’m Julie Davis, and I’m thrilled to be joining the American Bus Association as your new Director of Marketing and Membership.
From my first week on the job, one thing has been clear—ABA’s members are passionate, dedicated, and deeply rooted in the success of group travel. As we head into ABA’s centennial celebration in 2026, I’m honored to be part of the team that reflects on a century of service and helps move us confidently into the next one.
A bit about me: I began my career in communications with internships at Oxfam in London and the American Red Cross in D.C. I earned my degree in Industrial Psychology from Marymount University, worked in meetings at the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA), and later received a master’s degree in Adult Learning and Organizational Development from George Washington University. Since then, I’ve supported members at the Printing Industries of America, worked closely with chapters at The Arc Maryland, and led marketing departments at Altai Systems and Achurch Consulting. Most recently, I managed content and client projects through my own business, Hatrick Marketing.
I now live in Annapolis, Maryland, with my husband of twenty-one years, two teenagers, and our 11-year-old rescue mutt—whose relentless prey drive keeps our backyard mole-free. If you have a furry friend of your own, I’m a sucker for a story and pictures. Feel free to share them with me!
A Vision Rooted in Connection and Progress
What drew me to ABA wasn’t just the legacy—it was the community. ABA has spent the last 99 years uniting bus operators and their partners to create a thriving, connected, and informed group travel industry. That mission is more important than ever.
As we gear up for our 100th year, my vision is to help build on the strong foundation laid by our founders and continue delivering value to our members in real, measurable ways. That means listening closely to your needs, improving how we communicate and engage with you, and ensuring you have the tools and support needed to meet your goals in this evolving industry.
Supporting Every Member—One Relationship at a Time
ABA’s membership is incredibly diverse, and I want every member to feel seen, supported, and heard. Here are just a few of the ways I hope to serve each of our member categories:
- Motorcoach Operators: I understand that today’s operators face serious challenges—from driver shortages to rising insurance costs. Whether you run 5 buses or 500, I want you to get value from your membership and ensure that we’re advocating for what matters to you.
- Tour Operators: You’re the visionaries behind every unforgettable group travel experience. I want to help you connect with the right partners, reach more buyers, and find new ways to keep your offerings fresh, relevant, and profitable in today’s market.
- Travel Industry Members: Whether you represent a destination, hotel, attraction, or travel bureau, your work is essential to the group travel experience. I want to help you stand out to operators building new itineraries and make sure you’re well-positioned as a go-to resource in the industry.
- Associates: Your services keep the industry moving, from insurance providers and tech vendors to equipment and maintenance experts. I’m here to ensure your voice is part of the conversation and that you’re getting the visibility, connections, and ROI you need from your ABA investment.
Let’s Shape the Next Century—Together
The road ahead is full of opportunities. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, expand your network, reach new buyers, or advocate for key issues, ABA is here to help—and I’m here to ensure that help feels personal, practical, and proactive.
I’ll be reaching out in the coming weeks to learn more about your challenges and ideas. If you have thoughts you’d like to share in the meantime, don’t wait—I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for welcoming me into the ABA family. Here’s to a strong finish in our 99th year—and an even more exciting start to our 100th!
