J.J. Keller names new president, executive VP
Marne L. Keller-Krikava, previously the executive vice president, succeeds James J. Keller as president and CEO, while Rustin R. Keller assumes the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer. Keller-Krikava has held positions of increasing responsibility since joining the company full time in 1990, and Rustin Keller joined the company full time in 1999.
NEENAH, Wis. — J.J. Keller & Associates Inc. has made key succession changes to its executive leadership team to support the company’s continued success in safety and regulatory compliance, officials said.
Marne L. Keller-Krikava, the company’s former executive vice president, has succeeded James J. Keller as president and CEO, effective Jan. 1. Keller-Krikava started working at J.J. Keller as a part-time associate when she was 12 years old, and she has held positions of increasing responsibility since joining the company full time in 1990.
Her career has included key roles in marketing, product development, strategy/business planning and new markets. Keller-Krikava has a master’s degree in leadership and quality and a bachelor’s degree in international relations/business.
“I am deeply honored and excited about this opportunity,” Keller-Krikava said. “J.J. Keller is a great company with an exceptional brand and a strong, seasoned leadership team and associate base. We will build upon the company’s solid foundation, leveraging our core competencies, while continuing to evolve the business.”
Rustin R. Keller assumed the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer, also effective Jan. 1. Keller worked summers for the company beginning at the age of 12, joining J.J. Keller full time in 1999.
His career at J.J. Keller started within the online services division, with the creation of flagship services such as KellerOnline, FleetMentor, and Prospera, and most recently he has led the rapidly expanding business services areas.
Keller has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering with a minor in computer science. Prior to joining J.J. Keller, he completed a two-year leadership training program with GE.
More Management

SBFX Keynote Announced: Ann Vote to Share Tips on Leadership and Team Culture
Unveiling the full agenda for SBFX 2026 in Scottsdale this September: Here's who will be headlining the event throughout our two days together, and what to expect.
Read More →The School Bus as an American Icon: Exploring the Past, Present, and Future of the Yellow Bus
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Blue Bird's Brad Beauchamp explores the history of the yellow school bus, its impact on education, and where student transportation is headed next.
Read More →
Durham School Services Adds New District Contracts Across Five States
The latest contract awards and renewals will bring the company's transportation services to more students while extending several long-standing district relationships.
Read More →
6 School Districts Named Transfinder's 2026 Top Transportation Teams
The software company has named six school districts across four states to its list for the fourth year, with one 'three-peat' winner. Find out which teams took home top honors!
Read More →
Innovation Was the Answer: Five Lessons Learned in School Transportation from 2025–26
Transportation leaders are embracing technology, transparency, and operational flexibility to meet growing demands with limited resources.
Read More →
AI Tools Roundup: New Fleet Tools Aim to Turn Data Into Faster Decisions
The latest AI-powered platforms could help student transportation teams analyze fleet performance, manage maintenance, and uncover operational insights using natural-language queries.
Read More →
EverDriven Integrates Pathwise's EZRouting into Routing Services
The new partnership combines trusted software with industry expertise to help district transportation teams streamline general education routing, improve efficiency, and lower operating costs.
Read More →
First Student Safety Executive Named Samsara Technology Leader of the Year
David Perez earned the honor for deploying AI-powered safety and fleet technologies that improved driver behavior and family communication.
Read More →
Zum Expands to Rhode Island with 2 New District Partnerships
The Ocean State becomes Zum’s 18th state served as the company expands its presence in the Northeast U.S., while launching operations in Philadelphia, and supporting FIFA World Cup 2026.
Read More →
The Driver Shortage Playbook
Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.
Read More →



