• Age: 37
• Role: Director of Transportation
• Employer: Yarmouth School Department
• Location: Yarmouth, ME

Like many, student transportation is deeply personal to Christopher Storer. As director of transportation for Yarmouth Schools, he oversees daily operations with a lens shaped by family legacy and a commitment to safety that began long before he stepped into leadership.

Storer’s connection to the yellow bus traces back to his grandfather, Ronald Fenlason, who began driving a school bus at just 16. However, it was also Storer’s own childhood that cemented his sense of purpose. Facing medical challenges and difficult family circumstances, he experienced firsthand the impact a caring school bus driver can have on a student’s life.

“From a young age, I was drawn to the yellow bus. Not just as a vehicle, but as a place of safety and care,” he shared.

Encouraged by his parents, Lori and Stephen Fenlason, Storer pursued every opportunity within the field. He began working in a transportation office, earned his CDL, and spent several years driving, a role he “truly cherished.” Over time, he expanded his scope of influence, moving from scheduler to supervisor and ultimately into the director’s seat.

Although his days start early, one of his favorite moments comes during morning radio checks, when he connects with drivers and sets the tone for the day.

Student transportation, he noted, is anything but static. Weather shifts, last-minute changes, and evolving student needs require constant adaptation, reinforcing the collaborative problem-solving that happens in real time, which he values most.

His colleagues recognize his dedication to the role, no matter the circumstance. One nomination letter told this story: Recently, a student in foster care was consistently unable to arrive on time because DHHS could not provide timely transportation. This was not acceptable to Chris. He woke up at 3 in the morning every day, drove to the bus garage, prepared a van, and personally drove to Standish so the student could get to Yarmouth and start the school day on time.

“His actions changed that student's school experience,” Shar Mahoney, director of instructional support, wrote. “This is not an isolated example. This is who Chris is every day.”

Storer’s department works diligently on compliance and safety, having been recognized three years in a row as having the safest fleet in Maine. The 2025 State Police report specifically noted that Yarmouth had "the best fleet on the road" and commended Storer and his staff for "going that extra mile" to ensure passenger safety.

Storer is also a past president of the Maine Association for Pupil Transportation and represented the state as a delegate at the 2025 National Congress on School Transportation.

“Achieving these goals together, while keeping student safety at the forefront, is both rewarding and deeply fulfilling,” he said.

Building Transportation Teams Through Trust and Purpose-Driven Leadership

Leadership for Storer has been a journey of growth. Early in his career, one of his greatest challenges was learning to trust his own ability to lead. Confidence, he discovered, must be grounded in preparation, humility, and accountability.

He credits his team for shaping his leadership philosophy. By actively listening and empowering staff, he has built a trusting environment, with shared responsibility as a hallmark. “Meaningful success is never achieved alone,” he emphasized, noting that when team members feel supported, operations run stronger and safer.

“His strong relationships are reflected in our high driver retention in a field known for nationwide shortages,” said Shanna Crofton, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning at Yarmouth Schools.

“Chris is the heart of the Yarmouth School Department,” Mahoney said. “He is accessible, kind, and known for an infectious laugh that brings comfort and connection to students and staff alike.”

In an industry built on teamwork, he believes leaders must stand beside their teams, not above them.

The advice that continues to guide Storer is: “Believe in yourself and your purpose.”

Looking ahead, Storer hopes to see continued growth in safety, professionalism, and cross-district collaboration. He plans to remain engaged in transportation associations and policy conversations that shape best practices across the state. Eventually, when his leadership chapter closes, he envisions returning to the driver’s seat and reconnecting with the daily work that first inspired him.

Above all, Storer wants others to understand that student transportation is a calling. It demands resilience and creativity, but it also offers daily opportunities to make a difference. His guiding belief captures that spirit: “It truly is ‘kind of fun to do the impossible.’”