The search for a new executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) has concluded with the selection of a veteran member of the association: Charlie Hood.

Hood, the longtime Florida state pupil transportation director, will take on the NASDPTS position in mid-summer, after current executive director Bob Riley retires.

"Charlie brings new ideas and enthusiasm to the position that will help the association move forward with expanded services and direction, enabling NASDPTS to remain as a leader in the school transportation industry," said Max Christensen, president of the association and state director in Iowa.

Hood has 33 years of experience in school transportation, 24 of them as Florida state director. He has also served as president of NASDPTS.

Riley, the executive director of NASDPTS since 2006, is scheduled to step down from his post on June 30.

Hood told SBF that he will continue as state director until he assumes the NASDPTS position. Among his final duties will be serving as host state director at the joint Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference and Florida Association for Pupil Transportation Summer Symposium, which will be held June 29 to July 2 in Daytona Beach, Fla.