SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Thomas Built Buses Names New VP of Engineering, Technology

Kendra Eads, a 20-year veteran of Cummins Inc., will oversee the development of new technologies for the school bus manufacturer.

by SBF Staff
October 4, 2021
Thomas Built Buses Names New VP of Engineering, Technology

 

1 min to read


Thomas Built Buses (TBB) has named Kendra Eads as vice president of engineering and technology.

In her new role, Eads will oversee the design, development, research, and testing of new technologies, while helping to shape the long-term engineering strategy for the TBB organization, according to a news release from the school bus manufacturer. Eads joins TBB from Cummins Inc. where she held increasing roles of responsibility in engineering during a 20-year tenure. Most recently, she served as the director of engineering, electrified products.

Ad Loading...

“We are excited to have Kendra join the TBB team,” said Kevin Bangston, president and CEO of TBB. “Her extensive knowledge in conventional and electrified powertrains, and her experience in full product lifecycle engineering make her uniquely qualified for the role. We look forward to what she will accomplish and how she will help steer the future of Thomas Built Buses.”

Eads holds both bachelor and master’s degrees in agricultural engineering from Purdue University. In addition to her leadership experience of engineering organizations, she has worked internationally and co-led global initiatives to create more inclusive work environments.

More Management

hopskipdrive whitepaper
SponsoredMay 26, 2026

The Essential Handbook for Safe Alternative Student Transportation

Your district's "exception riders" — students with IEPs, those experiencing homelessness, foster care youth — deserve more than a middleman solution. This handbook breaks down exactly what to look for in a supplemental transportation partner: from driver vetting and regulatory compliance to proactive safety technology. Because getting a ride isn't the same as getting a safe one.

Read More →
A red, white, and blue graphic with pictures of Tracy Voigt and text reading "Honoring U.S. Veterans: Tracy Voigt's Story."
Managementby Elora HaynesMay 25, 2026

How Does Military Logistics Experience Help Keep Students Moving Safely?

See how Army veteran Tracy Voigt went from coordinating construction and logistics in Afghanistan to leading school transportation operations in Minnesota in this National Military Appreciation Month profile.

Read More →
An orange and red graphic with text reading "Surface Transportation Bill Moves Forward."
Managementby Elora HaynesMay 22, 2026

The BUILD America 250 Act Has Big Implications for School Buses, Too

Buried within a sweeping federal transportation bill are provisions that could affect school bus driver requirements, illegal passing enforcement, and even the future role of autonomous technology in pupil transportation.

Read More →
Aaron Sepkowski poses next to a Pocono Transportation school bus. Text read "Aaron Sepkowski, Pocono Transportion," alongside a SBF Contractor of the Year logo.
ManagementCover Storyby Elora HaynesMay 21, 2026

The Mindset That Keeps a Decades-Old Company Moving Forward: Aaron Sepkowski, 2026 Contractor of the Year

With nearly two decades at the helm of Pocono Transportation, Aaron Sepkowski has transformed a family-run operation into a modern, safety-focused contractor, while championing innovation, workforce development, and advocacy across Pennsylvania’s school transportation industry.

Read More →
Image of the front of a school bus with text reading "2026 Industry Awards in School Transportation."
Managementby StaffMay 20, 2026

What Student Transportation Companies Are Landing on Time’s Most Influential List, and More

From AI-powered safety platforms to electric fleet innovation, companies across the student transportation industry are earning national recognition for reshaping how students get to school safely and sustainably.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A red, white, and blue graphic with pictures of Martin Staples and text reading "Honoring U.S. Veterans: Martin Staples' Story."
Managementby Elora HaynesMay 18, 2026

Why Student Transportation Felt Familiar to This Former Navy Aviator

See how Martin Staples applies decades of mission-focused leadership and operational experience to helping school districts keep students safe in this National Military Appreciation Month profile.

Read More →
The Route thumbnail with school bus fleet logo
ManagementMay 15, 2026

‘Magical Hospitality’ and the Secret Behind Better School Bus Tech

Keith Corso and the BusRight team make it a goal to exceed expectations, always. Hear the secret sauce behind this 2026 Trailblazer in his own words in this podcast.

Read More →
Promotional graphic for “The Route” by School Bus Fleet featuring BusRight CEO Keith Corso smiling against a bright yellow background. Large text reads “Tech That Changes Routes (and Lives).” The graphic includes “Sponsored by IC Bus” branding and identifies Corso as a guest from BusRight.
Managementby Amanda HuggettMay 14, 2026

The Secret Behind Better School Bus Tech? ‘Magical Hospitality’

How does Keith Corso and BusRight truly empower their customers? It all comes down to exceeding expectations. Hear more about the secret sauce behind this 2026 SBF award winner in his own words. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Laptop displaying HopSkipDrive RouteWise AI transportation analytics dashboard with charts and routing performance data for school district operations.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMay 13, 2026

What Happens When AI Rebuilds a School Bus Route

A look at how HopSkipDrive's Routewise AI tool has helped stretch district transportation budgets and get students more classroom time.

Read More →