The Transportation Alliance (TTA), the nation’s oldest and largest for-hire fleet transportation association, held its 104th Convention & Expo this past Oct. 31-Nov. 2 in Las Vegas. As is tradition, the association announced that West Virginia fleet executive Jeb Corey, CEO of Charleston-based C&H Taxi, has been elected and sworn in president of TTA. His term is one year.
TTA President Jeb Corey
Corey has earned a reputation across the industry for innovation ever since his father asked him to help out with the family-owned transportation company, C&H Taxi in 2000. Corey’s leadership of C&H Taxi and its fleet of 25 vehicles has had an outsized impact on the industry. Corey implemented a number of innovative technologies, including an advanced computer dispatching system, a black box program to monitor vehicles during accidents, and a wheelchair accessible vehicle program called WAVE. One of Corey’s programs that is most well-known and admired throughout the region is the Intoxi-Taxi program, which transports intoxicated passengers at no charge.
TTA Executive Director Abena Bonso-Bruce
“After working alongside Jeb for a number of years, I know that he will do an incredible job as TTA’s next president,” said TTA CEO Alfred LaGasse. “Jeb’s unique insights and comprehensive understanding of the industry make him well-positioned to advance TTA’s goals and interests. Jeb has developed strong, personal relationships with countless TTA members, and I know that these members believe in Jeb’s vision for TTA.”
As president, Corey is focused on working through the transition of TTA’s new Executive Director Abena Bonso-Bruce (who was introduced at the show), increasing member value, and growing TTA’s reputation.
Bonso-Bruce will succeed LaGasse, the TTA’s longest serving CEO, who has worked at the organization for more than 40 years. Throughout 2023, LaGasse will continue to hold the title of CEO, while serving in a consulting role to TTA before he fully retires from the association at the end of next year.
“While I’ve only worked with Jeb for a short period of time, each interaction I’ve had has proven insightful, engaging, and thoughtful,” said Bonso-Bruce. “I have no doubt Jeb will prove a superb partner as we both undertake new roles, and lead TTA in this pivotal moment.”
“Abena’s immense association industry experience, in combination with her new perspective and innovative ideas, make her a phenomenal pick as TTA’s next executive director,” said Corey. “I am excited to work alongside Abena with new initiatives that will drive TTA forward.”
Prior to joining TTA, Bonso-Bruce served as the assistant director of program management at the International Association of Fire Chiefs, an 11,000-member organization. As assistant director, Bonso-Bruce managed more than $8.5 million in federal grants focusing on firefighter recruitment and retention, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Bonso-Bruce also coordinated advertisements, courses, and other tools to help promote the association’s DEI initiatives, as well as volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention programs.
“The Transportation Alliance has a long and storied history, and I am so proud to be a part of its next chapter,” said Bonso-Bruce. “My focus is on bringing new perspectives into the industry while always honoring and learning from TTA’s incredible 105-year history. I know I have big shoes to fill, which is why I’m so glad Alfred LaGasse will remain with TTA throughout my first year.”
“Abena’s deep experience working with associations, especially associations as large as the International Association of Fire Chiefs, make her more than equipped to lead TTA,” LaGasse said. “I look forward to seeing Abena lead TTA into its next, critical chapter with new and invigorating ideas backed by her years of management experience.”
Her goals include increasing TTA membership levels to pre-pandemic numbers as well as working closely with the lobbying team to make sure issues like the independent contractor, NEMT, and electric vehicle are the focus on Capitol Hill in 2023.
Visit www.thetransportationalliance.org for more information.
[11.7.22]