Klein Transportation names new president, strengthening family ties
Klein Transportation has been family-owned and operated since it was founded in 1957 — and given the latest change in executive leadership, it appears that isn’t changing anytime soon.
The Douglassville-based tourism and charter bus company announced this month that Alison Klein Sherman has been named president. Wayne Klein, owner of Klein Transportation and Sherman’s father, assumes the title of CEO, according to a release.
“I am passionate about leading our company and the Klein Transportation family of employees into the future,” said Sherman in a statement.
“Working with my dad is a great honor, and I am confident there are great things to come at Klein as we work together to lead the company.”
Sherman is the fourth generation of Klein family to achieve a leadership position, a role she has been preparing for most of her life.
After earning her bachelor degree in business, travel and tourism from Mansfield University, Sherman joined Klein Transportation in 2001.
She continued working her way through various administrative roles through the years, most recently holding the title of vice president of finance.
No reason for the timing of Sherman’s promotion was given, though the company has an over 60-year history of being run as a family business.
Klein Transportation was founded when John Klein became the school bus contractor for Daniel Boone School District. In 1979, the company — then owned by John’s son, William — was granted authority to become a public carrier, marking the beginning of its tour business.
Wayne Klein took over from his mother, Mary, in 2008 and has served as president since 1999.
The past year has been a tumultuous year for Klein Transportation and the tourism industry due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In March, the company was forced to suspend tours and lay off 70 workers during Pennsylvania’s initial COVID-19 shutdown orders.
K lein Transportation was among the hundreds of motorcoach companies that participated in a rally for federal assistance in Washington D.C. in May.
Bus trips from Berks County to area casinos did resume in November, but as a whole, tourism and chartered buses continue to be impacted by the virus.