• Age: 30
• Role: Director of Transportation
• Employer: Hoke County Schools
• Location: Raeford, NC

Like many, Montavia Heath’s career journey started as a school bus driver. At 18, he began driving for Johnston County Public Schools while he also served as an elementary instructional assistant. This foundation showed him the daily challenges faced by dual-role employees. It also revealed transportation’s role in supporting a highly functioning school system.

After several years, he felt called to do more, and in 2019, he advanced to area bus coordinator. In 2025, he felt the call once again, and he sought out a leadership position. This drive led him to his role today, where he leads with a focus on safety, service, accountability, and student-centered decision-making.

His days start early, often before the first bus leaves the lot. His mornings are focused on ensuring routes are covered, addressing last-minute staffing or mechanical challenges, and supporting drivers and supervisors. Throughout the day, he helps solve problems, improve processes, and plan for both immediate needs and long-term success.

Making a meaningful impact on people is what motivates him every day. “Whether it’s supporting a driver through a challenging situation, improving systems that make their jobs easier, or knowing our work directly affects students’ ability to learn and succeed, the purpose behind the work is what drives me,” he said. “Transportation is often the first and last point of contact students have each day, and being able to lead a team that plays such a critical role in their experience is rewarding.”

“I have only known Montavia for five years, but from the first meeting, he showed signs of commitment, empathy, work ethic, energy, and kindness,” said Steven Johnson of the Thomas Built Buses dealership Carolina Thomas. “He is always upbeat and looking to do the best job he can. He is wise for his age, and is always donating his time and efforts to help others.”

Lessons Learned

While leaning into leadership at a young age can be an advantage, it also can be a challenge.Heath says that sometimes, his age was perceived as a lack of experience or ability. This forced him to lead with intention, consistency, and humility.

“Through this challenge, I learned the importance of actively listening, thoughtfully evaluating processes, and making well-informed decisions that impact not just operations, but thousands of families,” he said.

One lesson he learned through this process is that success is never achieved alone, but built through teamwork, shared goals, and mutual trust.

“Standing by my word, leading with empathy, and recognizing that employees are human with families and responsibilities has been essential to earning respect,” he said. “A saying I carry with me is, ‘You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.’”

His advice to others starting in the industry is to lead with empathy and compassion. “Remember that you don’t have to carry everything on your own,” he advised, and to lean on your team and allow them to build you up.

“Transportation often requires long days that can turn into nights, so give yourself grace, stay creative, and trust the process.”

An Eye for the Future

Heath has a multi-pronged vision for the future of student transportation. The first is that all students receive safe, reliable service without barriers or disruptions. He also hopes to see increased community awareness around the importance of school bus safety, particularly sharing the road with buses. And finally, he looks forward to technological advancements that make drivers’ jobs safer, more efficient, and more effective.

“The transportation industry is changing before our eyes,” he said. Heath encourages everyone in the industry to remain creative and think outside the box, while pursuing the common goal of student safety and success.