David Duke to Join National Express as Chief Executive Officer in June 2011; Industry Veteran John Elliott Named Interim CEO
WARRENVILLE, Ill. – National Express Corporation (NEC), a leading provider of student transportation in North America, today announced David Duke will join the organization as Chief Executive Officer in June 2011. Duke most recently served as Senior Vice President of Sales at FirstGroup America.
In the interim, industry veteran John Elliott will assume the role of CEO of National Express Corporation, which operates as Durham School Services in the U.S. and Stock Transportation in Canada. Before he retired in 2008, Elliott served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Durham School Services.
“We are excited to have David and John on board at National Express Corporation,” said Dean Finch, Chief Executive of parent corporation National Express Group. “Both are well-respected leaders in the industry who will further strengthen our successful outlook going forward. They will bring continuity to the organization, with a strong focus on customer service and getting back to the traditional values of what we do best, making sure students are picked up and delivered on time, safely and securely, every time.”
Duke has nearly 25 years’ experience in the transportation industry. Before joining FirstGroup America, he served as Senior Vice President of Durham School Services, where he was responsible for overseeing regional operations and business development. He is a member of the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) Board of Directors.
Elliott has achieved many accomplishments in his nearly 36 years in student transportation. In 2007, he was named “Contractor of the Year” by School Bus Fleet magazine and in 2006 received the NSTA Hall of Fame Award in recognition of his years of dedication and excellence in the industry. He also has been an active member of the NSTA board for more than 20 years.
