After more than 20 years as North Carolina’s state director, as well as other leadership roles in the industry, Graham is set to retire at the end of February. Here, we take a look back at his illustrious career.
PHOTOS: Derek Graham’s Career in Pupil Transportation
Before he became state director, Derek Graham (center) served as the project manager for North Carolina’s Transportation Information Management System (TIMS) from 1988 to 1993. Here, Graham talks with school district personnel about the computerized school bus routing and management program.
At the 2005 NAPT trade show, Graham does his best Richard Petty impression with the NASCAR legend himself.
During a visit from Mary Peters in 2007, Graham shows the then-transportation secretary a display of how school bus seats have changed over the years.
While visiting Dubai for the school transportation conference, Graham holds tight on the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. At 2,722 feet, it is the tallest man-made structure in the world.
Graham is seen here speaking at the North Carolina Pupil Transportation Association conference in 2013.
Graham and Jeff Harris (left) of Guilford County Schools recently honored siblings Petar, Anita, and Angel Krastev — seen here with their parents and grandparents — for their school bus safety poster efforts.
Here, the U.S. Capitol looms behind Graham and NASDPTS Executive Director Charlie Hood. They were in D.C. for NHTSA’s Dec. 1 meeting on safety issues outside of the school bus.
Graham sets up a “portable” projector at a training event for TIMS, which helped districts across the state boost transportation efficiency and assess the quality of their service.
Graham, who became state director in 1995, is seen here behind the scenes operating Buster the School Bus.
Graham poses with his transportation staff members from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in 2004.
With staff members in 2006.
In 2006, Graham was named School Bus Fleet’s Administrator of the Year. At left is former SBF Editor Steve Hirano. At right is former NAPT President Lenny Bernstein. Photo by Jaime Gallego.
Also in 2007, North Carolina held its first Love the Bus event to recognize school bus drivers and promote the benefits of yellow buses.
In 2013, Graham was part of a U.S. delegation that gave presentations at a school transportation conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
With staff members in 2013.
Here, Graham speaks at a North Carolina back-to-school safety press conference in 2014.