Industry expertise

Pete Pantuso has been a pivotal figure in the transportation, tourism, and travel industries, demonstrating unparalleled leadership and vision throughout his career.

Pete served as the President and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA) from 1996 to 2024, where he directed ABA’s strategic initiatives that impact and support over 3,800 member organizations. He oversaw ABA’s operations, funding streams, government and regulatory affairs, communications, marketing, membership, conventions, business meetings, finances, and publishing. Pete also served as President of the National Bus Traffic Association and the ABA Foundation.

Pete transformed ABA into North America’s largest and most influential motorcoach, tour, and travel association. ABA represented 3,800 member businesses and entities and approximately 65 percent of all motorcoaches on the road. He also started and expanded the ABA Foundation, developing actionable research and data and providing 23 scholarships while growing the Foundation into a $9 million organization.

Pete established councils of like-minded and focused members within ABA to broaden the scope and impact of the transportation, tourism, and travel industry. These councils focus on diversity and equity of all members and include Hispanic Motorcoach Council; African American Motorcoach Council; Entertainer Motorcoach Council; Women in Buses Council; School Bus Council; Next Era Leadership Council; and the Safety and Maintenance Councils. He has also integrated management services of partner organizations, providing leadership and cost management solutions to external associations.

Pete’s tenure at ABA not only solidified its position as a leader in the industry but also fostered inclusivity and innovation across various sectors, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the transportation and travel landscape.

Government affairs expertise

With five decades of combined association, industry, and government experience, Pete is a driving force in advancing government and regulatory affairs goals and programs across various industry sectors, including the American Bus Association, Rubber Manufacturers Association, the National Confectioners Association, and the Glass Packaging Institute, all based in Washington, D.C. He has testified before multiple Congressional Committees including the Senate Commerce Science and Transportation Committee, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He has also provided testimony to the National Transportation Safety Board and other government agencies.

His early career included work in the Pennsylvania State Senate and industry experience at Owens-Brockway Glass. Regarded as a transportation, travel, and tourism subject matter expert, he was appointed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Secretary to the National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure, and to DOT’s Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Council.

Business ventures

Pete is a longtime commercial real estate investor, part owner of various development and construction partnerships including Platform LLC Construction Company, and has held director positions with several private companies. Pete recently joined two business partners, who had started Liberty Receptive Tours LLC, a wholesale tour company based in Tennessee. In August 2024, Pete and his partners purchased  Ed and Ted’s Excellent Adventures, a long-standing Michigan-based tour operator.

Media-savvy

Pete’s extensive media presence informs and empowers audiences and underscores his capabilities with multiple media platforms. demonstrating his well-established expertise. His media and communications knowledge is not just extensive, it’s a testament to his unwavering dedication to advancing targeted messages, using all communications platforms, to enhance and guide companies.

Featured on major media platforms, including CNN, CNBC, NBC, ABC, PBS, C-SPAN, Fox News, and others, he offers his insights on critical topics and is frequently sought after by numerous audiences. He has been published in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Times, Washington Post, and Bloomberg, as well as regional and local newspapers and magazines, shaping discussions on critical topics.

Pete’s voice resonates nationally, locally, and within specialized trade circles, where his nuanced perspectives offer invaluable insights. His regular appearances on Sirius XM’s Road Dog Trucking Show, as well as his many invitations to speak at Governors’ conferences and at tourism and transportation industry events, stands as a testament to his deep understanding of business matters and emerging trends impacting the transportation, and the tourism industry.

Executive Service

Pete has served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 leading association executives and held board positions at the American Highway Users Association, the Roadway Safety Foundation, the Museum of Bus Transportation, the Motorcoach Marketing Council, University of Pittsburgh (Bradford) Advisory Board, and GroupConnect LLC. Currently he serves on the Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) – National Capital Area Council’s Executive Committee, and the Sandy Spring Bank Advisory Board.

Pete’s multifaceted career underscores his profound impact on government affairs, business innovation and media engagement, making him a prominent figure in both national and specialized trade circles.