SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Blue Bird Expands Leadership of Sales, Marketing

School bus manufacturer Blue Bird promoted Tim Gordon to senior vice president of its sales and marketing organization. The company also appointed Albert Burleigh to vice president of North America bus sales and Jenna Van Harpen to vice president of national fleet sales.

Jenna Van Harpen, Tim Gordon, and Albert Burleigh of Blue Bird.

Britton Smith, Blue Bird president, said he's thrilled by the appointments of Gordon, Burleigh, and Van Harpen.

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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.”

More Management

Graphic for School Bus Fleet's "Changing Lanes" July 2026 personnel roundup featuring headshots of six industry professionals: Jamie Smith (AMF Buns), Dan Strock (Pro-Vision), Kyndra Webb (HopSkipDrive Council), Jared Schnader (CALSTART), Alycia Gilde (CALSTART), and Micah Enterz (Kooner Fleet Management Solutions), displayed on an orange geometric background.
Managementby StaffJuly 31, 2026

Changing Lanes: AMF Bruns, Pro-Vision, CALSTART, HopSkipDrive, & Kooner

Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and nonprofits.

Read More →
Promo graphic for the 18th National Congress on School Transportation, featuring a conference audience background and text reading “May 4–6, 2029, St. Louis, Missouri,” alongside the NCST logo.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

NCST Announces 18th Congress Event Dates, New Committees

The National Congress on School Transportation moves to St. Louis in May 2029, convening delegates and industry representatives to discuss new best practice recommendations. Now, the new committee chairs have been named.

Read More →
Two school buses parked in front of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver.
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 28, 2026

Key Moments from the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting in the Mile High City

From federal policy updates and OEM presentations to speed networking and industry awards, see photos and highlights from the contractor association’s summer conference in Denver.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A HopSkipDrive caregiver waits by an open car door in front of a house.
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 27, 2026

HopSkipDrive Launches Spanish-Language App Update, Plans Additional Language Support

The update aims to improve communication with multilingual families by offering ride tracking, notifications, and support in Spanish, with more languages planned for the 2026-2027 school year.

Read More →
A yellow school bus is parked outside a school beneath a large oak tree with blooming white blossoms, framed by white buildings and a bright blue spring sky.
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 27, 2026

Where the Yellow Bus Takes Us: School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year Winners

See the winning photos from School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year contest, featuring stunning school bus images from across the U.S., from scenic landscapes to everyday moments.

Read More →
Graphic for a School Bus Fleet article titled "Understanding Emotional Intelligence," featuring wooden letter blocks spelling "IEQ" and the subtitle, "Tips for transportation leaders to stay calm in any situation."
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 26, 2026

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Student Transportation

Learn the five key elements that bus drivers and transportation directors can use to stay calm in any situation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Zonar Back to School Readiness Report for 2026
SponsoredJuly 23, 2026

2026 Back-To-School Readiness Report

Staffing gaps, flat budgets, and the distance between “mostly prepared” and ready for the 2026-2027 school year.

Read More →
Collage highlighting recipients of the 2026 National School Transportation Association awards at the Annual Meeting and Convention in Denver
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 23, 2026

National School Transportation Association Presents 2026 Award Winners

Twenty-one individuals and contractor companies were recognized for excellence in student transportation at NSTA's annual meeting and convention in Denver.

Read More →
A South Carolina Public Schools school bus lineup with text reading "How To Make Routing Data Persuasive."
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 21, 2026

School Transportation Data Is Only as Powerful as the Story It Tells

Leaders say turning operational metrics into student-centered narratives can help districts justify investments and improve service.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage highlighting NYAPT's 50th anniversary conference, featuring awards presentations, NYAPT President Marc Medina speaking, packed educational sessions, and the event's "Back to the Future" theme celebrating 50 years of pupil transportation leadership.
Managementby StaffJuly 20, 2026

Photos: NYAPT Celebrates 50 Years at 2026 Conference & Trade Show

See highlights from NYAPT's 50th anniversary conference in Saratoga Springs, featuring educational sessions, awards, a trade show, networking, and more.

Read More →