School Bus Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Durham School Services Hires Sara Lissick as Chief Financial Officer

The experienced finance professional joins the school bus contractor to manage all finance, accounting, and tax operations and processes. The appointment comes just after the company was acquired by an investment firm.

Durham School Services Hires Sara Lissick as Chief Financial Officer

Lissick has over two decades of financial experience.

Photo: Durham School Services/School Bus Fleet

2 min to read


Durham School Services has hired Sara Lissick as chief financial officer (CFO). 

In this new role, Lissick will manage all operations and processes related to finance, accounting, and tax, and lead those respective teams in achieving the company’s financial and business goals. Further, in tandem with the CEO, Lissick will work to create and implement strategic financial goals and oversee revenue, capital, and expense-related business operations.

Ad Loading...

Lissick is an experienced finance professional with an impressive and expansive 20-plus-year career in the finance field and possesses additional experience in IT, risk management, and corporate development and procurement. 

Prior to joining Durham, Lissick served as CFO for Cambria and served in a similar capacity for SitelogIQ and Shutterfly, where she advised and partnered with other leaders to drive strategic growth and savings, generate revenue, and led and managed areas and teams related to accounts receivable and payable, treasury, and more.

“I am excited to join Durham on this journey as they start their new beginning with I Squared Capital," Lissick said. "This is an exciting, prolific time period for both companies, and I look forward to working together with my teams to lead Durham to even greater growth and success. Having kids myself who rode school buses as well, it has been riveting to learn about the inner and outer workings of the student transportation industry. I am eager for this new chapter in my career knowing that I will have a hand in ensuring the safe and reliable transportation of students to and from school.”

“We are pleased to have Sara join us during this important transition period,” said Tim Wertner, CEO, Durham School Services. “Sara is a seasoned, five-time CFO and was instrumental in leading her previous team through a seamlessly successful company sale and ownership change to Shutterfly. With that experience and the vast breadth of financial acumen she has acquired throughout her extensive career, I am confident she will do the same for our team as we progress through and complete our own transition. I and the rest of the executive team look forward to her leadership and guidance.”

More Management

thumbnail for the route season 2 episode 9 featuring photos of bret brooks and amanda huggett
ManagementSeptember 15, 2026

How to Build a Better Driver Training Program

Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.

Read More →
Catalyst Mobility: Building Clean Transportation Together
Managementby Alex RomanSeptember 14, 2026

CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility

The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.

Read More →
School bus driver training graphic featuring a group gathered around a yellow school bus, with text reading, “Tips for Selecting Superb School Bus Driver Instructors.”
Managementby Amanda HuggettSeptember 14, 2026

What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?

Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Compton Unified School District transportation staff stand between two yellow school buses, including a small bus and a full-size conventional bus.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 11, 2026

School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships

STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.

Read More →
A line up of school buses with one out front of the group.
Managementby Elora HaynesSeptember 7, 2026

Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families

A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.

Read More →
Graphic that reads “What I Learned About Leadership” over photos of school transportation professionals participating in discussions and networking at the TAPT leadership event.
ManagementSeptember 4, 2026

From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT

A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic announcing the 2026 NAPT Award Winners, featuring the National Association for Pupil Transportation logo on a blue background with gold stars.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 3, 2026

NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee

Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.

Read More →
Zonar Cover for White Paper Survey Results for 2026 State of Student Transportation
SponsoredSeptember 2, 2026

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.

Read More →
Graphic reading “Managing Others’ Anger: Keeping Your Cool When Tempers Are High,” alongside a red balloon with an angry face against a stormy background.
Managementby Amanda HuggettSeptember 1, 2026

How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict

What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Image of happy school children exiting their school bus
SponsoredSeptember 1, 2026

What Readiness Looks Like This School Year

Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.

Read More →