United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Chairman Dale Krapf announced the retirement of long-time association President/CEO Victor Parra, effective March 31, 2017.

Parra was originally appointed president/CEO in 1998 and was the second person to hold this job since the inception of UMA. During his tenure, Parra helped grow and stabilize membership through creation of Bus & Motorcoach News and the  development of BusRates.com and the Bus and Motorcoach Academy.

Further, unlike many other association governing structures, Parra lead the change of the UMA governance structure, resulting in an elected geographically diverse board of directors and the addition of Canadian and supplier participation. Finally, he expanded the UMA’s recognition internationally.

During the next few months, the UMA’s Executive Committee and its board will be working on a transition program, preparing for the appointment of the next president/CEO. While working diligently to maintain the organization’s focus and moving forward during this time, UMA will use the assistance of a search firm.

As Parra prepares for retirement, the UMA will celebrate his tenure during the 2017 UMA Motorcoach Expo, scheduled to be held in St. Louis, February 26 to March 2, 2017. During this meeting, the UMA board encourages its members, associates, and friends to gather with them to thank Parra for his leadership and continuing friendship.