Transfinder has hired former transportation leader Courtney Upell as an account executive.

In this role, Upell will provide districts and contractors insights about Transfinder’s tools and best practices for dealing with transportation issues thanks to her own storied career.

Upell began her transportation career as a 21-year-old when she became assistant transportation director in Castalia, Ohio, at her alma mater, Margaretta. In 2014, she was promoted to director of transportation at Margaretta. In that role, she worked with the Ohio Department of Education to increase routing efficiency and state funding.

In 2020, she became director of transportation at Perrysburg Local School District, a rural district located in the suburbs of Toledo. There, she dealt with a driver shortage and an increase in student enrollment. Amid these challenges, Upell also changed routing software programs, and moving to Transfinder in 2021.

“Without a doubt it was the best decision ever made for the district, the drivers, and me!” she said. 

Thus began a strong relationship between Upell andTransfinder.

“Throughout the four years with Transfinder, I found myself always going back for more!” she said. “We started with Routefinder PLUS, which led to consolidating 43 routes down to 35, exactly what the district needed while struggling to find drivers. It also helped increase routing efficiency.” 

In 2024, Perrysburg was awarded the most efficient school transportation department of northwest Ohio. 

“My goal every year as a director was to ‘get better, do better for our students!" she said. "Each year we would add another layer to our Transfinder collection. We had Routefinder PLUS, Viewfinder, Stopfinder, and Wayfinder. All these pieces to the puzzle made not only me, but our office staff very successful in supporting our students."

Upell is bringing that expertise to Transfinder now.

“Now I am beyond excited to bring not only my personal experiences with Transfinder to customers but to share my love for transportation,” she said. “It takes someone truly special to work in student transportation. At times it is difficult and challenging. Being able to work with our customers and help them become successful with their goals is truly an honor.”

Transfinder President & CEO Antonio Civitella said Upell is a great addition to the team. “Having a transportation leader who was at the top of her game and intimately familiar with Transfinder solutions is an invaluable resource for our clients,” Civitella said. “We believe our clients are partners and really family. Courtney has so much credibility in the transportation industry. We know her insights will be well received by our clients in Ohio and beyond.”