Changes Announced for NAPT Organizations

The National Association for Pupil Transportation and the NAPT Foundation are moving forward with a transition to a small-staff structure, with boards of directors providing general oversight and guidance and a staff of four directors working as equal partners to implement the board's vision and strategic priorities.

New staff leadership includes:

• Janna Smelzer, managing director and director of membership and internal affairs. Formerly education and member services coordinator, Smelzer has been with NAPT for 10 years. She managed the professional development series and certification programs, coordinated conference logistics, led membership services, and carried out many other leadership responsibilities.
• Angela Kelly, CMP, director of marketing and events. Kelly joined NAPT in 2020. She holds a certified meeting professional designation through the Events Industry Council. She coordinated the association's marketing, communications, and social media functions, and managed numerous events and webinars that have become the mainstay of the association and foundation offerings through the pandemic.

NAPT President Rick Grisham and NAPT Foundation President Steve Kalmes also announced recruitment efforts will begin immediately to fill two newly created positions: director of communications and public affairs, and director of education and professional growth.

Said Grisham: "We are seeking two solid professionals to round out our team and help drive us toward our strategic goals and vision."

He noted that long-time executive director and CEO, Michael Martin, is starting his new role as the managing director for the NAPT Collaboartive, a joint venture between NAPT and the Center for Effective School Operations (CESO) based in Minneapolis. In that capacity, Marttin also will continue to serve as a strategic advisor and provide guidance to the NAPT and Foundation boards.

“This new leadership framework for our association reflects what we learned during the pandemic about flexibility and innovation,” Grisham noted. "We see this team-based approach as an exciting opportunity, filled with potential. It positions us to speak for and support our industry and our members in the best way we know how. That’s what our members have come to expect from their association.” 

Said Kalmes: "The NAPT Foundation is excited about this opportunity to strengthen and enhance our industry's educational offerings. This will ensure that transportation professionals have access to an expansive suite of programs and platforms for learning."