HopSkipDrive Welcomes Dave Lissy to Board of Directors

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04/10/2025 - 10:00 AM

Former Bright Horizons CEO Brings Decades of Experience in Early Education and Care Sectors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- HopSkipDrive, a technology company solving complex transportation challenges where there is a heightened need for safety, access, and care, today announced the appointment of Dave Lissy to its Board of Directors.

Lissy has an exceptional track record in the education and care sector, having served as CEO of Bright Horizons Family Solutions (NYSE: BFAM) from 2002 to 2018. During his leadership, the company established itself as the leader in early education services and employer-sponsored childcare. He first joined Bright Horizons in 1997 as Chief Development Officer and now serves as Chairman of the Board.

“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.”

Before joining Bright Horizons in 1997 as Chief Development Officer, Lissy spent 11 years at Aetna U.S. Healthcare as Senior Vice President and General Manager for the New England region. His current board portfolio includes chairmanship of Redfin Corporation (NASDAQ: RDFN), and board positions with Benchmark Senior Living and BeneLynk. He also serves as Chair Emeritus of Ithaca College.

“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,” said Joanna McFarland, CEO and Co-Founder of HopSkipDrive.

His appointment comes at a time of exciting growth for HopSkipDrive. Over the past few weeks, the company announced its expansion to new markets including Atlanta, GA, Kansas City, KS, and Virginia Beach, VA, launched a first-of-its-kind AI-driven transportation planning platform as part of its RouteWise AI™ software, and shared four new products and initiatives to support its efforts to lead the industry in safety.

Lissy joins the company’s accomplished Board of Directors that includes Rick Heitzmann, Co-Founder and Partner at FirstMark Capital, who has a proven track record of identifying and scaling innovative technologies; Loni Mahanta, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at aiEDU.org, who brings significant expertise in policy strategy; Ben Birnbaum, experienced transportation industry advisor and Co-Founder of Reframe Capital; and Cassie Bowe, accomplished investment professional specializing in sustainable mobility solutions. Together, they help guide HopSkipDrive’s strategic direction as the company continues its mission to create opportunity for all through mobility.

About HopSkipDrive

HopSkipDrive is a technology company that solves complex transportation challenges where there is a heightened need for safety, access, and care. HopSkipDrive is modernizing the $30 billion school transportation industry through two core solutions: a care-centered transportation marketplace and industry-leading routing software, RouteWise AI™. HopSkipDrive’s marketplace supplements school buses and existing transportation options by connecting kids to highly vetted caregivers on wheels, such as grandparents, babysitters, and nurses in local communities. RouteWise AI helps schools and districts address critical challenges, including budget cuts, bus driver shortages, and reaching climate goals. HopSkipDrive has supported over 10,000 schools across 17 states, with over 600 school district partners. More than five million rides over 95 million miles have been completed through HopSkipDrive since the company was founded in 2014 by three working mothers.