With all of the energy options available today, you have a lot of considerations when it comes to selecting the best fuel for your school buses. Join us for a discussion of the advantages of propane autogas compared with conventional and alternative fuels, and why this proven option could be just the change your fleet needs.
Facilitator:
Michael Taylor
Director, Autogas Business Development
Propane Education & Research Council
Michael Taylor’s transportation career started in 1985 with Blue Bird Body Company, now known as Blue Bird Corporation. His 20-year tenure with the school bus manufacturer included appointments to positions in manufacturing, quality assurance, logistics, and marketing and regional management. He then served as the General Manager and Dealer Principal for a start-up venture that established a full-service Blue Bird distributorship. From 2008-12, Michael served as the Director of Fleet Management for Heritage Propane—one of the top 50 U.S. fleets—maintaining vehicle specifications, procurement practices, fleet support, and vehicle retirement and replacement practices. In 2012, Michael joined PERC as the Director of Autogas Business Development. His primary role focuses on maintaining the sustainable growth of propane autogas vehicles and certified fuel systems in the United States.
Presenters:
Diana Mikelski
Director of Transportation
Township High School District 211 (Illinois)
Director of Transportation Diana Mikelski oversees one of Illinois’ largest school-owned bus fleets, with approximately 160 District 211 buses and vans transporting nearly 9,000 students more than 7,700 miles each school day. Mikelski was promoted to her director position in 2017, after serving as assistant to the director of transportation since 2015. Mikelski has 26 years of experience in student transportation. Prior to joining District 211 in 2015, she was the supervisor of transportation for Community Unit School District 118 in Wauconda for 12 years. She is also certified through the State of Illinois as a driver trainer instructor since 2010.
Ryan Zic
School Bus Sales Director
ROUSH CleanTech
Ryan Zic is the school bus sales director for ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of alternative fuel vehicle technology. He oversees a team of business development managers who focus on growing the alternative fuel school bus market. He serves as the account manager for Blue Bird, ROUSH CleanTech’s largest customer.
Zic has almost a decade of experience in the school bus and alternative fuel vehicle industry with Blue Bird, Green Alternative Systems and Central Bus Sales. His range of disciplines includes direct sales and original equipment manufacturer management, along with Tier 1 sales and support. His experience includes technical sales to fleets of alternative fuel systems that are upfitted to existing vehicles as well as original equipment manufacturer-integrated solutions.
