STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — School bus and coach operator Atlantic Express Transportation Corp. has appointed David J. Carpenter as the company’s new CEO and president.

Carpenter succeeds Domenic Gatto, the company’s founder and long-serving CEO and president, who last year announced his plans to retire. Gatto will continue to serve as a senior advisor to the company through the end of this year.

“After a comprehensive executive search process, the board is pleased to have found the best individual to assume leadership of Atlantic Express Transportation Corporation,” said Gene Davis, chairman of the company’s board of directors. “David has a long track record of strong leadership in leading managed service organizations. This combined with his experience in transportation and professional services makes David highly qualified to lead Atlantic Express successfully into the future and through new growth strategies.”

Carpenter comes to Atlantic Express with more than 20 years of executive management experience in the professional managed services industry. As president of Philadelphia-based Aramark Healthcare, he was responsible for leading the $2 billion healthcare services organization delivering food, plant operations, clinical technology, call center and environmental services to more than 1,100 hospitals and healthcare systems across the U.S. and Canada.

Prior to serving as president of Aramark Healthcare, Carpenter was president of National Freight Industries and executive vice president of Aramark Education, responsible for a $470 million food and facility operation serving more than 4,000 schools across the U.S.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead Atlantic Express,” Carpenter said. “Having spent my entire career in the services industry, I have a strong sense of the obligation and responsibilities the company has as the outsourcing provider to our customers, employees and partners. I am committed to maintaining Atlantic Express’ leadership and reputation for unmatched standards in safety, quality and reliability in student transportation services."

Gatto, who will exit Atlantic Express on Dec. 31, expressed his confidence in the choice of Carpenter.

“David is a great leader who has held many responsible positions for leading managed service organizations,” Gatto said. “I am very pleased with the board’s decision, and am confident David will ensure Atlantic Express continues to drive our leadership in the pupil transportation and motor coach industry for years to come.”

In SCHOOL BUS FLEET’s 2013 Top 50 Contractors list (July issue), Atlantic Express is ranked No. 4 with a fleet of 5,180 school buses.