Sun Diego Charter’s Lori Tokarz honored for national operational leadership award

Tuesday 07 October 2025

Sun Diego Charter (SDC), in San Diego, part of All Aboard America Holdings (AAAHI), now the second largest motorcoach operator in the United States, celebrates Lori Tokarz, Director of Operations, who was awarded the 2025 Women in Buses Operational Excellence Award from the American Bus Association (ABA).

The award recognises Lori’s outstanding contribution to the motorcoach industry, celebrating her leadership in safety, operational efficiency and driver development. Over her 25-year career, Lori has exemplified what it means to lead with integrity, foresight and compassion.

According to Mr Brent Maitland, CEO, AAAHI, Lori’s impact extends beyond the day-to-day operations of Sun Diego Charter.

“Lori sets the highest of standards, leading by example and never loses sight of what matters – people,” Mr Maitland said.

“Lori’s influence goes far beyond her own location in San Diego. She also mentors peers, supports sister companies and has shaped a culture at Sun Diego Charter that prioritizes safety, service and trust.”

Ms Tokarz began her career at Sun Diego Charter as a front office receptionist. Over the decades, she has worked across finance, vehicle maintenance and cleaning, ultimately earning her position as Director of Operations. She now oversees a fleet of 35 vehicles, nearly 50 drivers and five direct team members, with the company driving more than 1.1 million miles in 2024.

Her leadership has helped transform Sun Diego Charter’s operational standards, with the company implementing rigorous and continuous training programs that exceed industry requirements under her direction. These initiatives have improved driver retention and customer satisfaction, while embedding a culture of safety and professionalism across the organisation.

“What means the most to me is building an environment where drivers feel heard and supported,” Ms Tokarz said.

“This award is a reflection of our team’s shared commitment to excellence and to putting safety and service first, every day.”

Sun Diego Charter has also marked several operational milestones in recent months. In December 2024, the company successfully delivered a complex five-day shuttle operation for the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, moving thousands of attendees using up to 40 coaches per day, in collaboration with sister companies Lux Bus America in Anaheim, California and All Aboard America in Phoenix, Arizona

SDC has also completed a comprehensive multi-cam installation across its fleet, further reinforcing its commitment to safety, transparency and accountability, while recently celebrating the successful six-month milestone of five new school buses.

In an effort to boost industry drivers, SDC continues to support employees who live in Mexico and work in the United States, by sponsoring their enrolment in The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) program. This ensures efficient, reliable and secure border crossing for nearly half of its staff and reflects the company’s long-standing investment in its people.

“I congratulate Lori and the extended Sun Diego Charter team on the recent positive news and announcements – they demonstrate the commitment and dedication to our clients, communities and workforce that AAAHI is renowned for across America,” said Mr Maitland.

Media contact: Katie Wilke Square One PR [email protected] 0411 771 469