WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Krapf School Bus has named two new executives to its leadership team — one in a newly-formed position.

The school bus company’s chief operating officer, Jim Folkes, has accepted the new role of vice president of communications.

In this position, Folkes will have responsibility for the development of the communication strategy for Krapf School Bus. He will contribute to Krapf’s organizational strategic planning process and work to promote, enhance, and protect the company’s brand reputation, with a goal of advancing its position with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness of the company.

Folkes joined Krapf School Bus in 2010. With more than three decades in the school bus industry, he has brought considerable leadership experience to the company.

Krapf School Bus stated in a news release that from the start, Folkes has had a positive vision for Krapf School Bus, and his many accomplishments during the past nine years are proof of his commitment and belief in the company and its employees. Folkes is well-respected not only by his peers, but by the Krapf staff and personnel at all levels, and he has been a great mentor to many, the company added.

Folkes is also a 2016 National School Transportation Association (NSTA) Hall of Fame Award winner.

Meanwhile, Mark Ramljak has been promoted to chief operating officer. Ramljak joined Krapf in 2013, bringing more than 30 years of school bus industry knowledge to the table.

In fact, Folkes played a major role in bringing Ramljak to the Krapf team as the vice president of operations for its western unit. As such, Ramljak was instrumental in working within Krapf’s Septran division to improve and update its processes and systems and to improve its financial performance.
 
Krapf School Bus added that despite implementing considerable improvements, when the opportunity to sell the company arose, the company’s board of directors determined that it would be in its best interest to do so. Ramljak was considered such a key addition to the team that he was asked to remain a Krapf employee and has been leading the integration of Krapf’s 2017 Birnie Bus acquisition, according to the company.