Blue Bird Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Blue Bird has 13 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to safety and innovation, Blue Bird designs, engineers, and manufactures school buses, transforming student transportation with cleaner energy solutions and a focus on quality, durability, and serviceability.

Leadership Roles at Blue Bird

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lakshya Daiya
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - John Wyskiel
  • President & Chief Executive Officer, Micro Bird - Eric Boul
  • President, Chief Executive Officer Designate, and Board Member - Britton Smith
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mark Copping
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Brandon Cobos
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jeffrey Sanfrey
  • President - Raymond Schmitten
  • President - Richard Maddox
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - David Pasternak
  • Lakshya Daiya - Chief Executive Officer

    Lakshya Daiya, the Chief Executive Officer at Blue Bird, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding the company's mission to design, engineer, and manufacture school buses with an unwavering focus on safety, reliability, and durability. Daiya oversees the integration of cleaner energy solutions, driving the transformation of the student transportation industry through propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses. The Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the company's four driving priorities: safety, quality, durability, and serviceability, embodying the interests of all stakeholders. This executive's strategic vision propels Blue Bird's market leadership and commitment to innovation, building upon a rich heritage of customer-centric development and pioneering advancements in school bus design. Lakshya Daiya's leadership ensures the company's continued success in serving districts and enhancing student well-being.

    John Wyskiel - President & Chief Executive Officer

    John Wyskiel, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Blue Bird, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational management. This executive role encompasses the design, engineering, and manufacturing of school buses, with a core emphasis on safety, reliability, and durability. Wyskiel drives the adoption of innovative technologies, particularly in low- and zero-emission school buses, reinforcing Blue Bird's position as a leader in cleaner energy solutions for student transportation. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the company's operations consistently meet the highest standards of quality and serviceability, reflecting a deep commitment to the well-being of students, drivers, and service technicians. John Wyskiel's leadership guides the company's expansion and its mission to positively impact student health and safety through advanced transportation solutions. This executive's purview includes fostering a culture of continuous improvement and market responsiveness.
    John Wyskiel

    Eric Boul - President & Chief Executive Officer, Micro Bird

    Eric Boul, the President & Chief Executive Officer, Micro Bird at Blue Bird, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the Micro Bird division. This leadership position focuses on the specialized design and manufacturing of school buses, emphasizing safety, reliability, and durability within this segment. Boul oversees the integration of advanced technologies and cleaner energy solutions, contributing to Blue Bird's overall mission of transforming student transportation. The President & Chief Executive Officer, Micro Bird ensures that the division's products meet stringent quality and serviceability standards, aligning with the company's core priorities. Eric Boul's leadership drives innovation and market responsiveness for Micro Bird, reinforcing the company's commitment to serving the unique needs of its clientele. This executive's role is critical in expanding the reach and impact of Blue Bird's specialized bus offerings.

    Britton Smith - President, Chief Executive Officer Designate, and Board Member

    Britton Smith, the President, Chief Executive Officer Designate, and Board Member at Blue Bird, plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's future strategic direction and leadership transition. This executive's responsibilities encompass overseeing key operational areas and contributing to the board's governance, ensuring continuity and growth in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of school buses. Smith is instrumental in advancing Blue Bird's commitment to safety, reliability, and durability, while also championing the company's leadership in low- and zero-emission school bus technologies. The President, Chief Executive Officer Designate, and Board Member works closely with existing leadership to uphold the company's four driving priorities: safety, quality, durability, and serviceability. Britton Smith's involvement ensures a seamless progression of Blue Bird's mission to innovate and lead the student transportation industry, reinforcing its legacy of customer focus and market impact.
    Britton Smith

    Mark Copping - Chief Financial Officer

    Mark Copping, the Chief Financial Officer at Blue Bird, oversees the company's financial strategy, planning, and reporting. This executive role is crucial for managing the financial health and growth of the organization, supporting its mission to design, engineer, and manufacture safe and reliable school buses. Copping directs all fiscal operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies, ensuring alignment with Blue Bird's commitment to quality, durability, and serviceability. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in evaluating opportunities for expansion, particularly in the area of low- and zero-emission school bus technologies, and managing the financial aspects of international operations. Mark Copping's financial acumen provides critical support for the company's strategic initiatives and its dedication to serving school districts effectively. This executive ensures robust financial stewardship across all business segments.

    Brandon Cobos - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Brandon Cobos, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Blue Bird, supports the company's financial operations and strategic planning. This executive role contributes to the fiscal management and oversight necessary for the design, engineering, and manufacturing of school buses, reinforcing Blue Bird's dedication to safety and reliability. Cobos assists in managing financial reporting, budgeting, and resource allocation, ensuring that operations align with the company's core priorities of quality, durability, and serviceability. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer works closely with the Chief Financial Officer to analyze financial performance and identify opportunities for growth, including advancements in cleaner energy solutions for student transportation. Brandon Cobos's contributions are vital to maintaining Blue Bird's financial stability and supporting its mission to innovate within the school bus industry. This executive's focus is on enhancing financial controls and supporting strategic investments.
    Brandon Cobos

    Jeffrey Sanfrey - Chief Operating Officer

    Jeffrey Sanfrey, the Chief Operating Officer at Blue Bird, directs the company's manufacturing operations and supply chain management. This executive role is critical in ensuring the efficient and high-quality production of school buses, upholding Blue Bird's commitment to safety, reliability, and durability. Sanfrey oversees the implementation of advanced manufacturing processes and technologies, supporting the company's leadership in both traditional and alternative fuel school buses. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational strategies align with the company's four driving priorities: safety, quality, durability, and serviceability, impacting every aspect of the bus lifecycle. Jeffrey Sanfrey's leadership drives operational excellence across the United States, Canada, and international markets, contributing significantly to Blue Bird's ability to meet diverse customer needs and maintain its market-leading position. This executive's focus is on optimizing production efficiency and product integrity.

    Raymond Schmitten - President

    Raymond Schmitten, the President at Blue Bird, directs significant operational and strategic initiatives within the organization. This executive role is integral to overseeing the company's core business functions, including the design, engineering, and manufacturing of school buses, with a steadfast focus on safety, reliability, and durability. Schmitten drives efforts to enhance product innovation, particularly in the realm of low- and zero-emission school buses, aligning with Blue Bird's commitment to cleaner energy solutions and transforming student transportation. The President ensures that all operational activities adhere to the company's stringent standards for quality and serviceability, embodying the interests of all stakeholders. Raymond Schmitten's leadership contributes to Blue Bird's market presence and its ongoing legacy of customer-centric development and industry leadership. This executive's purview includes driving operational efficiency and market expansion.
    Raymond Schmitten

    Richard Maddox - President

    Richard Maddox, the President at Blue Bird, leads key strategic and operational functions critical to the company's success. This executive role involves guiding the company's efforts in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of school buses, with an unwavering commitment to safety, reliability, and durability. Maddox champions the advancement of innovative solutions, including the company's leadership in propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses, reinforcing Blue Bird's role in cleaner energy transportation. The President ensures that operational strategies consistently meet the highest benchmarks for quality and serviceability, reflecting the company's dedication to its customers and the students they serve. Richard Maddox's leadership is instrumental in maintaining Blue Bird's competitive edge and its purpose-driven mission to serve the student transportation industry without distraction. This executive's focus is on strategic growth and operational integrity.

    David Pasternak - Chief Human Resources Officer

    David Pasternak, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Blue Bird, leads the company's human capital strategy and organizational development. This executive role is essential for fostering a talented and dedicated workforce committed to Blue Bird's mission of producing safe, reliable, and durable school buses. Pasternak oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, ensuring that the company attracts and retains the skilled professionals needed for engineering, manufacturing, and service. The Chief Human Resources Officer champions a culture that embodies Blue Bird's four driving priorities: safety, quality, durability, and serviceability, ensuring these values are reflected in every employee's contribution. David Pasternak's leadership is critical in supporting the company's growth and its commitment to innovation, particularly in areas like cleaner energy solutions, by cultivating a high-performing and engaged team. This executive ensures robust HR infrastructure supports business objectives.
    David Pasternak

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Blue Bird Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Blue Bird?
    Blue Bird is led by Lakshya Daiya (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Wyskiel (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Eric Boul (President & Chief Executive Officer, Micro Bird).
    Who is part of Blue Bird’s executive team?
    The executive team of Blue Bird includes leaders such as Lakshya Daiya (Chief Executive Officer), John Wyskiel (President & Chief Executive Officer), Eric Boul (President & Chief Executive Officer, Micro Bird) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Blue Bird have?
    Blue Bird has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Blue Bird’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Blue Bird includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Micro Bird, President, Chief Executive Officer Designate, and Board Member, Chief Financial Officer.