Bill Blankenship
Prosper,TX
Summary
Executive leader with over 25 years in high-paced, 24/7 intercity transportation operations, including as President & COO of Greyhound Lines. Proven track record in driving revenue growth, operational improvements, strategic planning, and robust P&L management. Known for fostering high-performance teams, building a culture of safety and innovation, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes to secure government support. Adept in labor relations, budget management, and crisis leadership with a focus on long-term, sustainable success.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
04.2008 - 10.2023
- Directed $800M+ budget, leading 3,800 employees across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; successfully drove revenue growth while ensuring operational efficiency across all business units, including safety, customer service, maintenance, real estate, and government relations
- Promoted to President and COO in 2022 following the acquisition by Flixbus, managing 1,000+ buses, 1,000+ sales locations, and 14 maintenance facilities across a 120 million-mile annual operation
- Led regulatory efforts, including lobbying and direct communication with federal, state, and local agencies (DOT/FMCSA, DHS, TSA)
- Secured regulatory support and funding for key programs (5311f, security grants, rural service subsidies)
- Directed a Network Transformation Project, reducing operational costs by $25M over two years
- Strengthened safety protocols and training programs, emphasizing real-time data and fostering an engaged safety culture
- Mentored and promoted numerous employees into leadership roles, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability
- Strengthened union relations through quarterly meetings and open communication, enhancing employee morale and alignment on company goals
General Manager, Western Operations
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
01.2004 - 04.2008
- Managed 250+ terminals/agencies in the Western U.S., overseeing customer service, driver operations, and resource management
- Successfully unified operations and integrated field staff under a revitalized network plan
- Drove operational efficiency through a 3-year network revitalization project, achieving structural improvements and enhanced scheduling
- Improved performance by setting team targets and using strong problem-solving to resolve employee, customer, and vendor disputes
Director of Package Express (GPX)
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2004
- Expanded GPX small-package services, strategically marketing Greyhound’s network to commercial clients, increasing revenue and yield through targeted sales and customer service improvements
- Built a solid sales and vendor network to extend GPX offerings, including door-to-door service, while collaborating with other departments to achieve revenue targets
Regional Manager
Pony Express Courier
01.1990 - 09.1996
- Managed $75M regional network, improving performance through a combination of company assets, independent operations, and small aircraft charters
- Enhanced profitability and service levels, successfully leading union negotiations and developing managers into strong leaders through hands-on support
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Marketing
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LASkills
- Executive Leadership
- Strategic Vision
- Financial Management
- P&L Management
- Operational Efficiency
- Transformation
- Labor Relations
- Union Negotiation
- Safety Culture
- Employee Engagement
- Government Relations
- Regulatory Advocacy
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
04.2008 - 10.2023
General Manager, Western Operations
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
01.2004 - 04.2008
Director of Package Express (GPX)
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2004
Regional Manager
Pony Express Courier
01.1990 - 09.1996
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Marketing
Nicholls State University
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