Avail Technologies Inc. promoted Rick Spangler to president and CEO. He succeeds Dorsey Houtz, who retired at the end of 2024. 

“For the past 24 years, Rick has been by my side demonstrating an unwavering passion and commitment to serving our customers, our public transit industry, and our people, and I have every confidence in his ability to lead Avail Technologies into its next phase of growth,” said Houtz.

Forging Ahead

Houtz will continue as part of the Avail team throughout 2025 in a support and advisory role to ensure the successful transition, while also serving as chairman of the board. 

On Dec. 31, 2025, Houtz will officially retire from all day-to-day activities, but will remain chairman to ensure long term success and continuity.

“This transition allows me to step back from the day-to-day operations while still supporting the company I founded,” said Houtz. “I am especially proud to be part of Avail’s journey toward becoming 100 percent employee owned. One hundred percent employee ownership is a goal I’ve had for the past 15 years, and now it is finally coming to life. This will not only empower our dedicated team of employee owners and ensure the long-term success of the company, but also ensures our customers continue being served with the same old-fashioned values that have always been the cornerstone of Avail.”

What Spangler Brings to the Table

Spangler has been a core member of the Avail team since joining in 2000, serving in numerous roles and contributing to the company’s success through his customer focus, technical expertise, and visionary leadership. 

As CTO, Spangler played an instrumental role in advancing Avail’s solutions portfolio of product and service offerings, helping position the company as a prominent player in the public transit technology sector. His deep understanding of both the company’s culture and its business will ensure a smooth transition and sustained growth.

“I’m honored to take on the role of president and CEO and continue working with the incredible team at Avail Technologies,” said Spangler. “Dorsey has laid an extraordinary foundation for the company, and we will build on that success. Our focus will continue to be on providing the highest levels of premier service to our family of customers, evolving our product and service offerings to provide even greater value for our customers and the communities they serve, and strengthening our support of the public transit industry.”

100% Employee Ownership by 2026

One of the most significant aspects of this leadership transition is Avail’s ongoing commitment to becoming fully employee owned by the end of 2025. 

The strategic move aligns with the company’s vision to foster a workplace where employees are not only stakeholders in the company’s success but also empowered to shape its future.

By creating a fully employee-owned organization, Avail Technologies aims to further strengthen its culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. This transition will also provide employees with increased financial benefits, ensuring that the company’s success is shared by those who have contributed to its growth and achievements.