Gale C. Ellsworth, CEO of an iconic American business brand, the Trailways Transportation System (Trailways), will retire February 1, 2015 after nearly 18 years at the corporation's helm.
Trailways board and team members credit Ellsworth with leadership that helped revitalized the well-known brand. Founded in 1936, Trailways is comprised of 70-plus, independently owned or operated motorcoach companies located throughout North America and Europe. When she assumed leadership in 1997, Trailways had only 14 bus companies within its network.
“Our team will be losing an extraordinary leader,” said Trailways Board Chairman, Tony Fiorini of Silver State Trailways (CA/NV). “She has been Trailways’ number one champion expounding the power of the brand. Gale has steered our organization through astonishing changes with her reformist, entrepreneurial style of leadership. Because of her visionary efforts, Trailways is positioned to continue its advancement toward a bright and progressive future.”
At the core of her legacy is not only a larger network of affiliated bus carriers, Fiorini said, but a litany of service and program benefits that equate to stronger brand value—all of which helped to rekindle Trailways legendary team spirit. She has also built a highly popular, well-attended annual stockholders conference that includes a diverse group of trade representatives, allied partners and industry supporters.
“All of the organizational milestones accomplished during my tenure with Trailways are the result of the combined commitment, dedication and the work of many, including the Trailways board, staff, and other team members,” stated Ellsworth.
“My service to Trailways has offered me the most rewarding experiences of my career; I am incredibly thankful to have had this great opportunity to work for such an outstanding organization, its team of volunteer leaders, dedicated staff, and of course, a committed team of Trailways motorcoach companies. Trailways is a remarkable entity that possesses a great heritage and it is a powerful travel-related brand. I am truly honored to have been part of its extraordinary history,” concluded Ellsworth.
A succession team is in place to ensure smooth transition in early 2015 as the search for Trailways' next staff executive is already in motion; interested parties may contact “Trailways Search Committee” for application information through email only (joan@trailways.com). Additionally, the Search Committee, which is comprised of Trailways board members, has retained an Executive Recruiter to assist in the process.
