EVINGTON, VA — Sonny Merryman announced today the appointment of one new member to the company’s board of directors – Dr. John Dooley. Dooley is the first non-employee member to be appointed.
John Dooley brings with him extensive knowledge and experience in investment and financial planning. Dooley served as CEO of the Virginia Tech Foundation until his retirement in June 2021 after nearly 40 years with the university. Under Dooley’s leadership, the foundation – which manages the university’s endowment and encourages economic development – more than doubled the endowment to over $1.5 billion. The foundation also experienced growth of more than $1 billion total value of its asset portfolio – which includes significant real estate holdings in addition to endowment investments.
Aside from his incredible knack for numbers, Dooley says his next most-valuable asset is his people-skills. “I’m very much a people-oriented person,” said Dooley upon his appointment to the board.
“I look forward to coming to the board, learning from the other board members, respecting the history and mission of the company, but also bringing fresh ideas and a fresh lens that will hopefully contribute in a meaningful way for the future growth of the company,” said Dooley.
As the board’s first non-employee board member, Dooley’s addition to the company’s board will certainly offer a new perspective in future planning.
“Our company has grown significantly since it was founded in 1967. What once was a small bus and trailer sales business in Rustburg, Virginia has become the state’s largest and most experienced transportation equipment dealer and one of the most successful and respected dealerships in the country. As we continue to grow as a leader in our industry, especially the electric revolution, John’s perspective will be a great asset to our team,” said Floyd Merryman, Sonny Merryman President & CEO.
One of the first items Dooley is especially excited to begin digging into is in fact bus electrification. With a bachelor’s in elementary education and as a career higher-education advocate, Dooley sees potential for electric school buses to contribute to greater resources for the instructional mission of PK-12 education. “Reduced operational costs realized from electric school buses will make new funds available that could be allotted to classroom instruction,” said Dooley.
With Dooley’s appointment, the Sonny Merryman Board of Directors now has 11 members. The board’s first meeting with all its members, including Dooley, will be held this summer.