Blue Bird expands leadership team with two new vice presidents

Blue Bird, a provider in electric and low-emission school buses, announced the appointment of two new vice presidents - Albert Burleigh and Jeff VanAssche – with immediate effect. Blue Bird expanded its leadership ranks as it continues to grow its zero- and low-emissions product portfolio and strategic supplier base.

Burleigh joined Blue Bird in May 2007 and has held multiple roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as executive director of Electric Vehicle (EV) Business Development contributing to exceptional sales and revenue growth. Before then, Burleigh advanced Blue Bird’s business expansion in sales and dealer development positions. Prior to joining Blue Bird, Burleigh worked for Ford Motor Company for 15 years in sales and customer support roles.

Burleigh holds a bachelor of science degree in Marketing from Louisiana State University and a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

VanAssche has been appointed to vice president of Purchasing. In his new role, VanAssche will optimize Blue Bird’s supplier network, enhance supplier quality, and maintain rigorous cost control. He joined Blue Bird in March 2022 as executive director of Purchasing. Before then, he held roles of increasing responsibility in Procurement at Daimler Trucks for seven years, primarily managing the acquisition of powertrain components.

VanAssche holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, a master's degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University, and a doctor of law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.