HopSkipDrive Appoints David Katcher as COO and Tyler Baldwin as CRO to Drive Nationwide Growth and Innovation
In a bold move to accelerate its nationwide growth and operational scale, HopSkipDrive, a leading technology company addressing complex transportation challenges with a focus on safety, access, and care, has announced the appointments of David Katcher as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Tyler Baldwin as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). These strategic hires underscore HopSkipDrive’s commitment to expanding its footprint while maintaining its mission-driven approach to ensuring safe and reliable transportation for all students.
Leadership with Proven Track Records
The addition of Katcher and Baldwin brings a wealth of expertise in transportation, marketplace dynamics, and operational excellence. Their leadership experience positions HopSkipDrive to scale its operations effectively and meet the growing demand for innovative transportation solutions across the United States.
David Katcher, who joins as COO, most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Rula, where he spearheaded the expansion of the company’s services from 11 markets to nationwide coverage. Under his leadership, Rula launched several new service offerings, demonstrating his ability to drive growth while maintaining operational quality. Prior to Rula, Katcher held executive roles at Lyft and AvantStay, where he managed global operations and led field teams of over 600 employees.
“I’m energized by HopSkipDrive’s mission to create mobility for all, and I’m excited to build the systems and services that allow us to scale with quality,” said Katcher. “Transportation is a gateway to opportunity, and we are here to make sure that access is never out of reach.”
Joining Katcher is Tyler Baldwin, who assumes the role of CRO. Baldwin’s impressive track record includes his tenure as Chief Revenue Officer at CharterUP, where he led the revenue organization through a period of rapid growth, increasing gross bookings from $120 million to over $200 million. His leadership in scaling high-performing teams and launching go-to-market strategies also extends to previous roles at Reali and LinkedIn.
“I’m thrilled to help drive the next phase of growth for HopSkipDrive,” said Baldwin. “This is a company with demonstrated product-market fit, an inspiring mission, and a platform that truly makes a difference in communities. There’s a massive opportunity to support more school districts across the country, and we’re just getting started.”
A Mission-Driven Approach to Transportation
HopSkipDrive’s mission has always been to provide safe, reliable, and accessible transportation solutions, particularly for students who face unique mobility challenges. The appointments of Katcher and Baldwin align perfectly with this vision, reinforcing the company’s focus on quality, safety, and scalability as it partners with more school districts and tackles the complexities of student transportation.
“David and Tyler are incredible leaders with a deep commitment to impact, and their expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow and expand our footprint,” said Joanna McFarland, Co-Founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive. “Their appointments reinforce our focus on quality, safety, and service at scale as we partner with more districts and solve the complex challenges of student transportation.”
Recent Milestones and Innovations
The announcement of these key leadership appointments comes on the heels of several significant milestones for HopSkipDrive. The company has recently expanded its partnerships with school districts, launched RouteWise AI™, a cutting-edge planning platform designed to help schools optimize their transportation networks, and introduced new safety products and features. These initiatives reflect HopSkipDrive’s dedication to innovation and its mission to ensure every student has access to safe and reliable transportation.
Scaling Operations for National Impact
As HopSkipDrive continues to grow, the company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and service. With Katcher overseeing operations and Baldwin driving revenue growth, HopSkipDrive is well-positioned to scale its operations efficiently while expanding its national presence. This dual focus on operational excellence and revenue generation will enable the company to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse range of school districts and communities.
Why This Matters for the Future of Student Transportation
The challenges of student transportation are multifaceted, ranging from logistical hurdles to safety concerns. HopSkipDrive’s innovative approach—combining advanced technology with a mission-driven mindset—has already made a significant impact. By bringing on leaders like Katcher and Baldwin, the company is signaling its readiness to tackle these challenges head-on and deliver scalable solutions that benefit students, families, and school districts alike.
Katcher’s emphasis on building systems that scale with quality aligns seamlessly with HopSkipDrive’s commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation. Meanwhile, Baldwin’s expertise in driving revenue growth ensures that the company can continue to invest in its platform and expand its reach to underserved communities.
Joining Forces for a Greater Purpose
Both Katcher and Baldwin have expressed excitement about joining a company with such a profound mission. “This is a company with demonstrated product-market fit, an inspiring mission, and a platform that truly makes a difference in communities,” Baldwin noted. Similarly, Katcher emphasized the transformative power of transportation: “Transportation is a gateway to opportunity, and we are here to make sure that access is never out of reach.”
