FORT VALLEY, Ga. — After more than six years in executive positions with Blue Bird Corp., Roger Howsmon has elected to retire, effective April 1.

Howsmon led the school bus manufacturer’s sales and marketing team from 2007 through 2009. Since 2010, he has held the position of senior advisor to Blue Bird.

In addition to providing counsel to Blue Bird’s leadership team, Howsmon represented Blue Bird on the American School Bus Council and was a key contributor and spokesperson for Blue Bird in executive discussions with the National School Transportation Association, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services and the National Association for Pupil Transportation during his senior advisor role.

“His strong people skills, coupled with his love for the school bus industry and the respect he has for the dealer network, have enabled him to serve Blue Bird very effectively in this capacity,” the company said in an announcement.

Howsmon is also known as a dealer advocate. Officials said that as chief marketing officer and senior vice president of sales, he spent much time on the road visiting dealers and has built strong personal friendships throughout the Blue Bird dealer network. He is also credited with playing a key leadership role in increasing international sales.

For his part, Howsmon said that he will miss his regular interactions with industry partners and his friends in the industry, adding that he has great confidence in a bright future for Blue Bird.

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