Lionel Pinn
Transportation Director, Centralia/Chehalis (Wash.) Pupil
Transportation Cooperative
Lionel Pinn enjoys attending Seattle Mariners baseball games. He’s pictured with his wife, Hilda, at a game this past season.
Born: Fort Benning, Ga.
Home: Napavine, Wash.
Years in industry: 18
Notable previous jobs: I have held positions at First Student Inc., Reynolds School District 7 in Fairview, Ore., and the Educational Service District 112 in Vancouver, Wash.
How did you get your start in the industry?
After a 20-year career with the U.S. Coast Guard, I wanted to do something less demanding. Driving a school bus seemed to be the perfect fit. However, driving a bus with 70 "tweenagers" introduced some new demands and challenges. Through a number of outstanding mentors, I found peace in the job and a true love for what I do.
Current job duties?
I oversee all aspects of the transportation department for Centralia/Chehalis Pupil Transportation Cooperative. This one-of-a-kind outside work program has created jobs, assisted smaller school districts and municipalities with their mechanical needs and supplemented our state's funding shortfalls for student transportation.
What do you consider your top achievements?
My career with the U.S. Coast Guard is something I am really proud of. More recently, serving on the board of directors for the Washington Association for Pupil Transportation and being selected for this (Fascinating Personalities) rank right up there.
My personal achievements first include a loving family. Also, I sit on the board of directors for the nonprofit organization Wisdom of the Elders Inc., and I am a member of the Native American Music Awards Advisory Committee and co-founder of Earth Citizenship Network Inc., a nonprofit group.
What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am nearing completion on my second book, Zen Bus, which takes every aspect of the school bus industry and folds it into an easy-to-understand, Zen style to make transportation odysseys less stressful and more fun.
What do you like most about being in the industry?
The people. The fellow supervisors, drivers, driver trainers, dispatchers, secretaries, mechanics, teachers and principals who put the needs of children first, the employers who serve as role models, and the kids, who I am truly here for.
Bob Riley
Executive Director, NASDPTS
Bob Riley enjoyed Italy, although he only saw one “scuola” bus in the three-week trip.
Born: Washington, D.C.
Home: Steamboat Springs, Colo.
Years in industry: 36
How did you get your start in the industry?
Upon college graduation, I became a high school driver education teacher, which led to my enrollment in the Traffic Safety Masters program at the University of Maryland. I completed that program while teaching and broadened my interest in all facets of traffic safety to include pupil transportation. Once I started working directly with pupil transportation as state director in Wyoming, I was hooked.
Current job duties?
As executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), I am responsible for the day-to-day activities of the association, including communication, representation and responses to federal and regulatory agencies, media relations, Website, liaison with related associations and any other association business as directed. An additional job opportunity that I have thoroughly enjoyed is representing NASDPTS on the American School Bus Council, which has given me a much better understanding of the overall pupil transportation community.
Top achievements?
Professionally, I have enjoyed a wide spectrum of opportunities in pupil transportation; however, serving as director of a large, progressive transportation system in Palm Beach, Fla., for more than 12 years would probably rank at the top.
Personally, I have been happily married to my wife, Jo, for 42 years, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing my four children mature and go out on their own.
Outside interests?
I have had a lifelong interest in sports and fitness, participating in all sports in high school and playing college basketball. I have been a runner for 35-plus years, completing dozens of marathons, half marathons and shorter races. At the recommendation of my doctor and my knees, I recently switched from running to biking, and this summer I completed Ride the Rockies, a 380-mile, six-day ride through the mountains in Colorado.
If you could travel anywhere in the world ...
We traveled to Italy last year and could not have enjoyed it more - food, wine, people and beautiful countryside (only saw one "scuola" bus in three weeks). Australia and New Zealand appeal to me for the next trip.