The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC) didn’t have to look far to find its new executive director.

ACFC has elevated Casey Foster to the executive director role after he joined the organization as fleet program director in 2023. He replaces Mark Bentley, who retired earlier this year.

Foster previously served as the director of operations for Transportation at Jefferson County Schools in Alabama, managing a fleet of more than 550 buses and implementing comprehensive training programs that reduced driver shortages. He also served as director of Transportation at Birmingham City Schools, where he implemented a propane-powered school bus program and advanced the fleet’s technology.

“Casey knows what it takes for a fleet to transition from traditional fuels to alternative fuels because he has done it in his career by working with Propane Autogas during his time with the local school system,” said Michael Staley, president of ACFC. “Casey is the right guy for the job, and we know he’s going to keep helping ACFC exceed our goals.”

Foster also held leadership roles in Auburn City Schools and the Bellville (Texas) Independent School District following a career in sales.

“The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition is dedicated to promoting clean, renewable, domestic energy sources,” Foster said. “This work decreases America’s dependence on foreign oil, while also improving local air quality and bolstering economic development. I’m committed to this mission, and I’m honored to take over ACFC’s day-to-day operations. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I’m truly excited about the work.”

Foster earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Jacksonville State University and completed additional coursework in business administration at Texas A&M-Commerce.

Earlier this year, seven Alabama school systems secured $7.8 million in federal funding to buy new electric school buses thanks to Foster’s detailed analysis of every bus route in every public school system in the state.

Foster is working to coordinate several electric vehicle showcases set for National Drive Electric Week in September, with upcoming events scheduled for Irvington near Mobile, Auburn, Huntsville, Ozark and Birmingham.

“I believe my diverse background and commitment to improving transportation processes will help ACFC continue to reach its goals,” Foster said.