Biography provided by participant
Peter J. Pantuso is president and chief executive officer of the American Bus Association, North America's largest motorcoach, tour and travel association representing more than 65 percent of all private buses on the highways, as well as private travel related businesses, state and local government travel and tourism offices, state associations and other entities involved in promoting travel throughout North America. In addition, Pantuso is also president of the American Bus Association Foundation and the National Bus Traffic Association.
Since assuming the reigns in 1996, Pantuso has revitalized ABA, increasing annual revenues by more than $2 million, doubling the size of its annual travel convention and growing membership in all categories by more than 25 percent. He has significantly expanded the association's lobbying efforts and clout in Washington, D.C., as well as in state capitals. Pantuso serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Committee of 100 leading association executives.
Pantuso has continually advocated for a level playing field for the independent bus industry with other modes of passenger transportation, and has been a staunch advocate of enhancing law enforcement to keep unsafe rogue operators off of the roads. He has also fought against burdensome and excessive industry regulations, taxation, forged partnerships with public and private stakeholder groups and built a stronger business environment for the motorcoach industry.
During his tenure he also developed of new culture of professionalism and inclusiveness across all constituencies at ABA. The ABA Foundation began under Pantuso's leadership, and in just a over a decade it has grown to $1 million in funds, and has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships and grants.
For nearly 30 years, Pantuso has served an advocate on behalf of business, including Fortune 500 companies and many small businesses. He has been a student of entrepreneurial operations, such as a camper rental business he owned, and as the advertising and promotional arm of his family business he ran, and which still serves a loyal customer base today.
Before heading ABA, Pantuso was vice president of public affairs for the Rubber Manufacturers Association, a position he held for nearly seven years. He has also served as director of government affairs for the National Confectioners and Chocolate Manufacturers Association and held government relations positions with the Glass Packaging Institute and Brockway Glass Co., and began his career working for the Pennsylvania Senate in Harrisburg.
Pantuso remains active in his home state, serving on the Board of Directors of Servco, Inc., and is a member of the President's Advisory Council for the University of Pittsburgh. He is a Life Member of the National Eagle Scout Association.
A native of Bradford, Pennsylvania, Pantuso is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and earned his Masters of Association Management from George Washington University's School of Business and Government.
