HIGH POINT, N.C. — Chris Russell has been appointed vice president of operations at Thomas Built Buses.

Russell will oversee two bus body plants, a chassis plant, a component fabrication plant and related logistics operations, including more than 1 million square feet of facilities and more than 1,500 employees.

“From first-to-market innovations and safety features to green technology — both on the buses and in the plants — Thomas Built Buses is setting the pace for the future of pupil transportation,” Russell said. “These are exciting times in the school bus industry, and I am excited to be part of the team here at Thomas Built.”

Russell, who joined engine manufacturer Detroit Diesel in 2006, previously served in several roles in Detroit, including manufacturing engineering manager, internal logistics manager, engine assembly and test manager, and, most recently, order center and production planning manager.

Russell fills the vacancy created when former VP of Operations Caley Edgerly was recently named president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses.

“This is a fantastic time to be with Thomas Built Buses, and Chris brings with him years of valuable experience,” Edgerly said. “We have every confidence that Chris is the right person for the job.”