New board appointment comes as the student transportation tech firm scales new markets and launches AI planning tools
HopSkipDrive, a U.S.-based technology company focused on solving school transportation challenges, has appointed Dave Lissy to its Board of Directors.
The company partners with school districts to offer care-centered transportation services and AI-driven route planning via its RouteWise AI™ platform. HopSkipDrive currently operates in 17 states and has completed more than five million rides since launching in 2014.
Experience in education and care
Lissy previously served as CEO of Bright Horizons Family Solutions from 2002 to 2018, where he oversaw the company’s expansion as a provider of employer-sponsored childcare and early education. He joined the company in 1997 as Chief Development Officer and currently serves as Chairman of the Board. Earlier in his career, he spent 11 years at Aetna U.S. Healthcare.
“I’m thrilled to join HopSkipDrive’s board and support their vital work in transforming student transportation,” said Lissy. “Their innovative platform helps school districts improve efficiency while facilitating safe, reliable rides for students with diverse needs. I’ve seen firsthand how access to dependable transportation can be life-changing for families and open educational opportunities for students, and I look forward to helping the company scale this essential service to more communities across the country.”
Board and leadership focus
Lissy also holds board positions at Redfin Corporation, Benchmark Senior Living, and BeneLynk, and is Chair Emeritus of Ithaca College.
His addition to the board comes as HopSkipDrive expands to new locations, including Atlanta, Kansas City, and Virginia Beach. The company also recently introduced four safety initiatives and enhanced its RouteWise AI platform to help districts manage transportation costs, staffing, and reliability.
Joanna McFarland, CEO and Co-Founder of HopSkipDrive, commented:
“Dave is a remarkable leader with proven expertise in building and scaling successful, mission-driven organizations that support and uplift children’s learning opportunities.His insights will be crucial as we expand our footprint, scale our operations, and continue our work to ensure transportation never stands as a barrier between a student and an educational opportunity.”
