Blue Bird Expands Leadership of Sales, Marketing

Blue Bird Corporation has expanded its sales and marketing organization. The company announced three strategic leadership appointments, effective June 1, 2024. Blue Bird strengthened its sales and marketing team to further pursue leadership in zero- and low-emissions transportation.

• Tim Gordon has been promoted to senior vice president of Blue Bird’s sales and marketing team. In his new role, he will focus on enhancing Blue Bird’s customer-centric approach, strengthening the company’s relationship with its dealer network, and driving growth. Gordon joined Blue Bird in 2016 and most recently served as vice president of sales and marketing since August 2022. Gordon is a respected veteran of the transportation industry with 40 years of experience. Before joining Blue Bird, he spent four years at Yancey Bus Sales and Service leading its parts and service sales team. Prior to that, Gordon held various roles at Navistar, parent company of school bus manufacturer IC Bus, and semi-truck manufacturer Freightliner.
• Albert Burleigh has been appointed vice president of North America Bus Sales. In his new role, he will lead Blue Bird’s nationwide field sales organization, drive growth in the company’s electric- and propane-powered vehicle segments, and engage with the dealer network to increase sales across North America. Burleigh joined Blue Bird in May 2007 and most recently served as vice president of alternative fuels since November 2023. Before then, he led the electric school bus sales team, contributing to Blue Bird's position as an industry leader with over 1,500 zero-emission school buses in operation today. Prior to joining Blue Bird, Burleigh worked for Ford Motor Company for 15 years in sales and customer support roles.
• Jenna Van Harpen has been promoted to vice president of national fleet sales. In her new role, she will continue to serve and build relationships with national fleet customers, focusing on sales and revenue growth. Van Harpen rejoined Blue Bird in October 2023 as executive director of fleet sales after working as sales manager for Gillig, a manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses. From 2014 to 2020, she held roles at Blue Bird in fleet and chassis sales, as well as alternative fuels. Before joining Blue Bird, she held various sales roles at Carter Machinery, Allstate Peterbilt Group, and Truck Country for six years.

Britton Smith, president of Blue Bird Corporation, said: “I am pleased with the optimization of Blue Bird’s Sales and Marketing team and the appointments of three outstanding Blue Bird executives – Tim Gordon, Albert Burleigh, and Jenna Van Harpen. I am confident our expanded leadership and supporting teams will enhance customer satisfaction, dealer engagement, and sales growth.”