Previously... Blue Bird Appoints Simon Newman to Board of Directors
Edward Hightower Joins Blue Bird Board
Blue Bird's newest board member has extensive automotive industry experience, with prior roles at Lordstown Motors, Ford, BMW, and General Motors.
October 29, 2024
Hightower brings EV and automotive industry experience to the school bus manufacturer.
Photo: Blue Bird Corporation
2 min to read
There's a new face at Blue Bird! Today, the OEM announced the appointment of Edward T. Hightower to its board of directors, effective immediately.
Hightower is a seasoned global automotive executive and entrepreneur. He joined Blue Bird as a Class I Director and brings 35 years of leadership experience, with roles in the electric vehicle and automotive industry.
Hightower is the founder and managing director of Motoring Ventures LLC, an investment, growth, strategy, and operations consulting firm focused on driving value in the global automotive industry. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer and president of Lordstown Motors Corp., an original equipment manufacturer of electric vehicles for the commercial fleet market, from 2021 to 2024. There, he led the operational turnaround of the company and the launch of its first vehicle, the Endurance full-size pickup truck.
Hightower also served as CEO of the EV design and engineering joint venture between Lordstown and Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer. In addition, he held senior engineering, marketing, and business development roles at Ford, BMW, and General Motors. Hightower also worked as a hands-on growth, strategy, operations, and M&A consultant at AlixPartners, LLP.
Hightower has a bachelor of science in general engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a master of business administration degree from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
“We are pleased to welcome Edward to our Board of Directors as we continue to deliver on our profitable growth plans,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “As the clear leader in alternative-powered school buses, and with our customers continuing their dynamic transition toward electric, zero-emission and ultra-low emission school buses, we look forward to benefitting from Edward’s valuable and relevant experiences and contributions.”
Blue Bird has more than 2,000 electric-powered buses in operation today and have covered more than 5 million miles.
More Management
How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
Read More →
Sponsored•September 2, 2026
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
Sponsored•September 1, 2026
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →