Foundation

Moving the industry forward, together

The American Bus Association Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the group travel industry through research, education, and programs that foster a safer, more sustainable, and inclusive future.

Scholarships

Supporting Tomorrow’s Travel Leaders

Since 1995, over $1 million in scholarships have helped students pursue careers in travel, tourism, and transportation—empowering the next generation of industry leaders.

Scholarship Opportunities

Areas of Focus

Gathering Insights, Accelerating Growth

Industry Insights

Explore in-depth motorcoach industry research, from census data and regional economic impact to intercity bus trends and quarterly sales across the U.S. and Canada.

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Social and Economic Contributions

Examine the role of the motorcoach industry in providing access to both rural and urban communities, and how federal subsidies support the industry.

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Societal Impact and Resilience

Learn about the societal impact and resilience of the motorcoach, group travel, and tourism industries, including analysis of the effects of COVID-19 on industry dynamics.

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Environmental and Technological Advancements

Research the environmental impact and technological advancements of the motorcoach, group travel, and tourism industries, including emissions data for various modes of transportation.

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Other Ways to Support

Annual Investing

Fund research, advocacy, and scholarships that keep the industry strong year after year.

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Legacy Funds

Establish a scholarship or research fund that supports future leaders and innovation.

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Cornerstone Society

Join major donors whose contributions secure the Foundation’s long-term vitality.

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Marketplace Donations

Turn one week at Marketplace into a year of impact through auctions, raffles, and donations.

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Foundation News

ABAF Releases 2025 Motorcoach Census Showing Industry Growth, Broad Service Reach, and 77K Jobs Supported 

New research finds 1,891 companies operated 50,968 motorcoaches across the United States and Canada in 2025, with charter service leading a diverse and expanding market.  The American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) today […]

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Motorcoach Sales Continue Upward Trend in Q1 2026 as Industry Stabilizes

Motorcoach sales rise 7.9% in Q1 2026 to 493 units, led by gains in public sector sales The American Bus Association (ABA), the leading voice in North America’s charter bus, […]

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ABA Board Focuses on Insurance, Advocacy Priorities, and the Future Workforce

The Spring Board meeting in Washington, DC, focused on several key issues for operators and group tourism members. Earlier this week, the American Bus Association Board of Directors convened for […]

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2026 Q1 Economic and Travel Report: Early Signs of Travel Growth Face New Global Uncertainty

Quarterly Economy & Travel Industry Summary A Reminder to Expect the Unexpected As the year began, the tariff situation appeared to have largely stabilized, inflation was expected to ease, and […]

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New Report: $124.9 Million in Business Activity Generated by Attendees at ABA Marketplace

New independent analysis from the ABA Foundation Highlights the 20x ROI for Marketplace attendees and why it’s North America’s leading bus and group travel business event.

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2026 Board of Directors

  • President (non-voting): Fred Ferguson, President & CEO, American Bus Association
  • Chair: Tom JeBran, President, Trans-Bridge Lines Inc.
  • Vice-chair: John H. Percy, Jr., President & CEO, Destination Niagara USA
  • Douglas D. Anderson, President, Anderson Coach & Travel
  • Ronald R. Bast, Chairman, GO Riteway Transportation Group
  • Eugene J. Berardi, Jr., President & CEO, Adirondack Trailways
  • Peter Borowsky, President, Starr Bus Charter & Tours
  • Michael Casillas, National Sales Manager – Tour & Travel, Hard Rock Cafe International (USA) Inc.
  • Bryan Cole, President, Super Holiday Tours
  • Greg Dotson, CTIS, CSTP, Director, Group Sales & Marketing, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
  • Jeff Goldwasser, Sales Representative, Amaya Astron Seating
  • Elizabeth Hall, President & CEO, John Hall’s Alaska
  • Sara B. Hamlin, Vice President of Tourism, Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Brad Henton, Director of Museum Sales and Guest Experience, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Tara Hippensteel, Leisure & International Sales Manager, Grapevine CVB
  • Matt Hotchkiss, Senior Vice President /  Bus Division Manager, Wells Fargo Equipment Finance
  • Patricia Kenner, President, Campus Coach Lines
  • Colleen Laird, Senior Director of Youth Sales & New Ventures, Universal Orlando Youth Programs
  • Brent Maitland, VP, Private Sector – MCI / New Flyer, Motor Coach Industries
  • John R. Meier, Executive Vice President, Badger Coaches Inc.
  • Mike Power, Director – Marketing & Brand, Prevost
  • Karen Sanders, General Manager, Bus Supply Charters Inc./BSCI Tour & Travel
  • Kate Scopetti, Owner & President, MARS Tours and Companies
  • Pete Smith, Director of Sales, Smoky Mountain Resorts / Liberty Tours
  • Francis Tedesco, President, Academy Bus LLC
  • Suzanne Thornburg, President & CEO, Capital Motor Lines Inc. / Capital Trailways (Alabama)
  • Brenda Wordelman, Senior Vice President- Midwest/Southwest Sales, ABC Companies
  • Lew Myers, Director of Government Relations & Research, American Bus Association
  • Ben H. Rome, Senior Director of Content, American Bus Association