Our Team
At Abbott Bus Lines, our team is the engine that keeps everything moving. From the front office to the open road, we’re a group of dedicated professionals who take pride in serving our passengers with care, integrity, and experience. We’re more than a transportation company, we’re a family, and we treat every journey like it’s our own. Since 1927, Abbott Bus Lines has been proudly family-owned and operated. With deep roots in Southwest Virginia, our leadership carries on the legacy of our founder, Taft Abbott, while embracing innovation, professionalism, and personal service. Our team is committed to going the extra mile — not just in distance, but in dedication.
Leadership
Fred Abbott– President, (2nd Generation)
Fred Abbott carries forward the legacy his father began in 1927, leading Abbott Bus Lines with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to customer service. As the second-generation president, Fred has overseen decades of steady growth while ensuring the company remains grounded in its core values: safety, reliability, and personal attention. With a hands-on leadership style, Fred is actively involved in both the operational and strategic direction of the company. He believes in empowering his team, maintaining strong relationships with customers, and continuing the family tradition of excellence in motorcoach transportation. His decades of experience, combined with a passion for people, have made Abbott Bus Lines a trusted name in group travel across the region.
John Abbott– Operations Manager & Secretary- Treasurer, (3rd Generation)
John Abbott plays a critical role in the success of Abbott Bus Lines, managing the daily operations that keep the company running efficiently and effectively. As Operations Manager and Secretary-Treasurer, he expertly balances the logistical demands of scheduling, compliance, and fleet management with the financial oversight required to maintain the company’s strong fiscal health. A third-generation leader, John brings a forward-thinking approach to the business while honoring the family’s longstanding commitment to service and quality. His attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and collaborative leadership style ensure that both customers and employees experience the high standards Abbott Bus Lines is known for.
Daniel Abbott– Maintenance Manager & Bus Sales (4th Generation)
Daniel Abbott proudly represents the fourth generation of the Abbott family, bringing a hands-on and detail-oriented approach to fleet maintenance and growth. As Maintenance Manager and lead mechanic, he ensures every vehicle in the fleet operates at peak performance and meets the highest safety standards, combining technical expertise with a strong commitment to quality. In addition to overseeing maintenance, Daniel spearheads motorcoach sales, guiding clients through the selection process with professionalism, honesty, and deep industry knowledge. His dual role supports both the operational excellence and business development that keep Abbott Bus Lines moving forward.
Office & Operations Team
Cara Kenyon– Office Manager, Charter Manager, Dispatch
With over 22 years at Abbott Bus Lines, Cara Kenyon is a cornerstone of our daily operations. She wears multiple hats, overseeing office administration, managing charter logistics, and coordinating dispatch, with unmatched efficiency and dedication. As the central point of communication between clients, drivers, and staff, Cara ensures each trip runs smoothly from start to finish. Her strong problem-solving skills are especially vital in dispatch, where split-second decisions and clear direction keep trips on time and on track. Whether she’s handling last-minute changes or coordinating complex schedules, Cara brings calm leadership and sharp attention to detail to every task. Her decades of experience, reliability, and unwavering commitment make her an essential part of what keeps Abbott running strong.
Diane Eagle– Driver Payroll, Charters, Tour Department, Private Groups & Educational Tours
With 29 years of dedicated service at Abbott Bus Lines, Diane plays an essential role in both our day-to-day operations and long-term client relationships. She oversees driver payroll and manages a wide range of travel services, including private group tours, educational trips, and charter bookings. Diane works directly with clients from the earliest planning stages through final itineraries, ensuring every detail is accurate, timely, and aligned with their goals. Her deep knowledge of our operations, calm problem-solving, and commitment to service make her a trusted point of contact for passengers, drivers, and colleagues alike. Whether supporting a school tour or coordinating a multi-day private getaway, Diane helps ensure every trip runs smoothly from start to finish.
Heather Carlisle– Accounts Payable, Payroll & Benefits Administrator, Risk Management, IT & Tech Support
Heather brings operational precision to Abbott’s financial, technical, and safety infrastructure. She oversees accounts payable, employee benefits, and internal risk management, while also supporting IT systems to keep our team connected and protected. In her risk management role, Heather closely monitors driver performance using Samsara’s state-of-the-art technology alongside her 25 years of industry experience to identify and assess high-risk behaviors. She works closely with the Safety & Compliance department to promote safe driving practices and ensure our drivers remain among the safest on the road.
Bea Cook– Safety Director, Training Coordinator, Driver Recruitment
Bea Cooks plays a vital role in maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance at Abbott Bus Lines. While she oversees driver training and qualification, her responsibilities extend far beyond that—Bea manages all aspects of safety-related compliance across the entire company. With extensive knowledge of DOT and FMCSA regulations, she ensures ongoing adherence to critical areas such as driver qualification requirements, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and drug and alcohol testing. Bea also works closely with risk management to thoroughly investigate accidents and incidents, report findings, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Her expertise and diligence are key to keeping our operations safe, efficient, and fully compliant day in and day out.
Ava Vanek– Marketing Manager & Customer Relations Manager
Ava Vanek is the driving force behind all marketing and promotional efforts at Abbott Bus Lines. From crafting the company’s voice and vision to managing every aspect of marketing strategy, communications, and customer engagement, Ava does it all. She oversees social media, graphic design, website creation, sponsorships, event planning, ticket giveaways, networking, and every piece of promotional material that represents Abbott Bus Lines. Her passion for storytelling and brand building ensures that Abbott’s legacy shines across all platforms, while her commitment to customer relations helps forge strong, lasting connections with clients and partners. Simply put, if it involves marketing or promotion, Ava is behind it, shaping how Abbott Bus Lines connects with its community and grows its presence.
Frances Waters– Charter Department- Contracts & Invoicing
Since the early 1990s, Frances has been an indispensable part of Abbott Bus Lines, expertly managing the critical behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the charter department running efficiently. Her primary responsibilities include drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts to ensure all terms are clear and agreed upon by both parties. Frances meticulously processes invoicing and payments, making certain that financial transactions are accurate, timely, and aligned with company policies. Her thorough attention to detail and organizational skills are vital in coordinating between clients, drivers, and accounting to resolve any discrepancies or questions promptly. Her long-standing experience, combined with her dedication to precision and customer service, ensures that every charter booking is managed smoothly from contract initiation through final invoicing, contributing greatly to Abbott’s reputation for professionalism and reliability.
Allyssa Cole– Reservations Sales Specialist
Allyssa serves as the primary point of contact for our tour customers, specializing exclusively in reservations for pre-planned tours. She guides clients through the booking process with professionalism and expertise, ensuring they find charter solutions that precisely meet their travel needs. Allyssa’s attentive and courteous approach fosters confidence and satisfaction, while her thorough knowledge of our services guarantees a seamless reservation experience. Her role is vital in maintaining strong client relationships and supporting the overall success of Abbott Bus Lines’ tour operations.
Maintenance & Technical Team
Dale Choat- Body Shop Technician
Ricky Terry- Video/ Audio & A/C Bus Maintenance
Xavier Laprade- Mechanic
Brogdan Gilewski- Mechanic