Following a “comprehensive executive search process,” Atlantic Express announced that former ARAMARK Healthcare leader David Carpenter is the new president and CEO of the nation’s fourth-largest school bus contractor, succeeding Domenic Gatto who retires at the end of the year.
“After a comprehensive executive search process, the board is pleased to have found the best individual to assume leadership of Atlantic Express Transportation Corporation,” said Gene Davis, chairman of the Atlantic Express board of directors. “David has a long track record of strong leadership in leading managed service organizations. This combined with his experience in transportation and professional services makes David highly qualified to lead Atlantic Express successfully into the future and through new growth strategies.”
Carpenter led the $2 billion, Philadelphia-based healthcare services organization and its 40,000 employees from October 1994 until this past May. ARAMARK Healthcare delivers food, plant operations, clinical technology, call center and environmental services to more than 1,100 hospitals and healthcare systems across the U.S. and Canada. Under Carpenter’s leadership, ARAMARK Healthcare set new company growth segments across all business segments and generated more than $150 million in new sales.
Carpenter also has previous experience in education and transportation, having served as executive vice president of ARAMARK Education and as president of National Freight Industries. At ARAMARK Education, Carpenter was responsible for $470 Million food and facility operation serving over 4,000 schools across the U.S.
“Having spent my entire career in the services industry, I have a strong sense of the obligation and responsibilities the company has as the outsourcing provider to our customers, employees and partners,” said Carpenter. “I am committed to maintaining Atlantic Express’ leadership and reputation for unmatched standards in safety, quality and reliability in the student transportation services. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to profitably grow and lead Atlantic Express into the future.”
Gatto, who founded Atlantic Express as a 16-van operation in 1964, announced his retirement last October.
“David is a great leader who has held many responsible positions for leading managed service organizations,” Gatto added in a statement. “I am very pleased with the board’s decision and am confident David will ensure Atlantic Express continues to drive our leadership in the pupil transportation and motor coach industry for years to come.”
In addition to school buses, Atlantic Express also operates a fleet of passenger full-sized passenger sedans and wagons, wheelchair-equipped vans and 40- to 59-passenger luxury motorcoaches.
