Next Era Leadership Council

Developing the next generation of industry leaders

The Next Era Leadership Council (NELC) brings together emerging leaders to build the skills, perspective, and industry insight needed to lead multigenerational businesses and shape the future of the motorcoach and group travel industry.

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A logo for the American Bus Association Next Era Leadership Council, brought to you by ABC Companies.

NELC Overview

The Next Era Leadership Council (NELC) focuses on developing the next generation of business leaders across the motorcoach and group travel industry.

By connecting emerging leaders with peers and experienced operators, the Council creates space to share knowledge, navigate succession, and prepare for the responsibilities of leading multigenerational businesses.

NELC plays a critical role in ensuring continuity, strengthening leadership pipelines, and supporting the long-term growth of the industry.

Who Should Join

The Next Era Leadership Council is designed for emerging leaders who are actively involved in the motorcoach and group travel industry and preparing to take on greater leadership responsibilities.

Council Resources

NELC Mission, Goals, & Requirements

To support the next generation of industry leaders by strengthening multigenerational businesses, preserving industry knowledge, and preparing emerging leaders to guide the future of the motorcoach industry.

Four priorities guide the Council’s work:

Develop Future Industry Leaders

Prepare emerging leaders with the insight and skills needed to take on leadership roles across the industry.

Support Multigenerational Business Continuity

Help family-owned and legacy businesses navigate succession and long-term planning.

Strengthen the Industry Leadership Pipeline

Create pathways for future leaders to engage with ABA and contribute to shaping the industry’s direction.

Encourage Innovation and Long-Term Thinking

Promote new ideas, sustainable growth, and forward-looking strategies that shape the industry’s future.

 

 

To join the NELC, all participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Active in the industry for 3–5+ years
  • In good standing with national and state associations

Upcoming NELC Events & Webinars

Events will appear here as they are scheduled. Stay tuned!

NELC Committee Members

  • Chair, Elizabeth Hall, COO, John Hall’s Alaska Tours
  • Vice Chair, Kyle DeVivo, COO, DATTCO
  • Business Operations
    • Evan Anderson, COO, Anderson Coach & Tour
    • John R. Croswell, President, Croswell VIP Motorcoach Services
  • Business Planning
    • Peter Borowsky, President, Starr Tours
    • Alison Sherman, President, Klein Transportation
  • Business Sustainability
    • Lauren Grote, Director of Group Tours, Rill’s Bus Service
    • Jen Stanley, VP Sales & Customer Experience, Fullington Trailways
  • Education, Jack Kaufman, Vice President, Timi’s Tours
  • Government Affairs & Advocacy, Alex Berardi, Director, Business Development & Marketing, Trailways of New York
  • Sponsor Liaison, Ryhan Cornell, Senior Account Executive, ABC Companies

 

  • Evan Anderson – Anderson Coach & Tours
  • Alex Berardi – Trailways of New York
  • Luke Busskohl – Arrow Stage Lines
  • Mike Canine – Lorenz
  • Kyle DeVivo – DATTCO
  • Jeff Greteman – Windstar
  • Lauren Grote – Rill’s
  • Elizabeth Hall – John Hall’s Alaska Tours and Transportation
  • Scott Henry – Martz
  • Brooks Jalbert – C&J
  • Jack Kauffman – Timi’s Tours
  • Robert Saucedo – Carerra’s Coaches
  • Michelle Tubman – Great Canadian Holidays

NELC News

NELC Disruptive Innovation Award

The Next Era Leadership Council Disruptive Innovation Award is given to an individual dedicated to driving change and advancement in the motorcoach, travel, and tourism industry, improving its long-term health and vision.

Nominations open in October, with the award presented at Marketplace.

The individual will be a prime example of dedication to advancing the industry, having an ongoing understanding of sustainable tourism, and understanding the industry’s economic importance.

The award is open to all ABA members in good standing and recognizes individuals working in a multigenerational family business or similar familial-style organization.

Candidate requirements include:

  • Active involvement in the motorcoach, travel, and tourism industry
  • Working in a multigenerational (or similar) organization for 3-5 years
  • Displays creative and innovative ideas that have provided a significant positive impact on the long-term vision of the industry
  • Continues to advocate for the long-term vision of the travel and motorcoach industry
  • Made a substantial impact or advancement for the motorcoach industry through significant change
  • Encourages sustainable and responsible tourism throughout business operations
  • Community and philanthropy support through personal or business activities

Nominations must include:

  • Nomination Letter
  • 1 Letter of support
  • Any related articles on the innovation, industry change, or positive disruption caused by the award nominee