Although retirement is officially a few more months away, Al LaGasse was honored for the last time as The Transportation Alliance (TTA) CEO at the association’s most recent convention. LaGasse, who has presided over the association for nearly 46 years (beginning when he was just 23 years old and fresh out of college), was celebrated with a light-hearted and festive roast at their 105th Annual Convention & Expo, Mobilize 2023, held Sept. 19-23 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
The Transportation Alliance CEO Al LaGasse celebrated at Mobilize 2023
Over his nearly five-decade career, LaGasse has seen some massive changes in the industry as well as the association. Originally named the International Taxicab Association, the organization subsequently transitioned into the Taxicab, Livery & Paratransit Association, then the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Associations—eventually landing on the TTA moniker, although some industry members still slip and call it TLPA out of habit. He was CEO when TNCs upset the market, but also when the association marked their centennial milestone in 2017.
“In 1990, we stopped being the ‘taxi association.’ We changed our rules to allow any private, for-profit transportation company providing for-hire transportation to join. That was because TTA was fighting and winning the legislative and legal battles for all for-hire operators, and we needed to expand our base of membership and dues to pay for those battles. It has always been a challenge to navigate between the similarities and differences between these various types of services, but our similarities are more important than our differences today just as they were back in 1990. The for-hire vehicle industry must stay united in TTA. Don’t let anything divide and weaken us,” said LaGasse.
LaGasse announced his intention to retire at last year’s convention, where his successor and TTA’s new Executive Director Abena Bonso-Bruce was introduced to members. Throughout 2023, LaGasse continued to hold the title of CEO, while serving in a consulting role to TTA before his retirement on December 31, 2023.
His successor comes with a serious pedigree of her own. 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.
As his days running the association wind down, LaGasse is planning the next phase of his transition. This is, after all, an industry that never sleeps.
“I plan on relaxing for about six months and then I’ll figure out what I’m going to do with the rest of my life,” he joked. “Most of all, I am thankful for you simply giving me the chance to manage the day-to-day affairs of this association and ultimately, you gave me a true voice on the leadership team. Being a key person at this organization really has meant a great deal to me and I thank you for the opportunity, your support, and your friendship.”
Congrats to our friend and indefatigable industry champion as he approaches his much-deserved retirement!
Visit thetransportationalliance.org for more information.
[10.10.23]