First Student Safety Manager Recognized by National Safety Council

A member of First Student’s safety team has earned national recognition for her commitment to safety in the workplace.

Renee Boydo of Wichita, Kan., has been named a 2020 Rising Star of Safety by the National Safety Council (NSC), according to a news release from the school transportation provider.

The Rising Stars of Safety program honors future leaders who promote a culture of continuous safety improvement within their companies by creating safety initiatives focused on measurable outcomes, according to the NSC.

Boydo is responsible for managing and overseeing all operational aspects of driver training programs for First Student, including development and implementation. She supports more than 450 First Student locations and nearly 48,000 employees across North America. The company’s hiring, training, and ongoing development programs for drivers and monitors reportedly help deliver a ride that is nearly twice as safe as the industry average, according to the student transportation provider.

“Renee has been instrumental in helping build upon our industry leading safety efforts,” said Darryl Hill, senior vice president of safety for First Student, who also received recognition from NSC last year. “She is passionate about striving for the highest level of safety for her colleagues and the students we transport. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm drive our organizational improvements in training and all areas of learning and development.”

Since joining the company in 2016, Boydo has redesigned the First Student driver training and certification processes. She also developed and implemented a new training program for the company’s van service. Locations that piloted the initiatives reportedly improved first-time licensing pass rates, reduced training throughout time, and increased driver retention rates by double digits. She also led the development of COVID-19 safety protocols for First Student trainers and trainees.

Boydo is one of 32 safety advocates under the age of 40 to be recognized as a 2020 Rising Star of Safety, according to First Student.