Peter Pan is proud that Business West has named Bob Schwarz, Executive Vice President – Communications, to its list of “Difference Makers 2012.” With a career in business and community service that has spanned more than 40 years, no one is more deserving of this impressive recognition.

Bob’s commitment to the Western Massachusetts community is as broad as it is longstanding. He had devoted his time to the United Way, the Eastern States Exposition, the New Leadership Charter School and its library, and to the Literacy Works Cabinet of the Regional Employment Board.

But Bob is perhaps proudest of his efforts on behalf of the region’s homeless population. In 2008, he received the Community Champion Award from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Then-‘homeless czar’ Philip Mangano praised him for his efforts as part of a nationwide program to end homelessness. For Bob, here in Western Massachusetts it’s not about placing people in shelters. Rather, it’s about finding them permanent housing. And no one has been more tireless in his efforts to achieve that goal.

Bob joined Peter Pan Bus Lines in 1986 and he counts among his many mentors the late Peter L. Picknelly. Today Bob is joined by a third generation of Picknellys, Peter A. Picknelly and his family, who share his unwavering commitment to community service.

The Peter Pan family extends its congratulations to Bob for this much deserved award.