SBFX: Education and Networking for Leaders in School Transportation
Keynote Speaker Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney Confirmed for SBFX
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder of Folds of Honor which helps families of fallen or disabled military, will share his stories at School Bus Fleet ConneX.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder of Folds of Honor which helps families of fallen or disabled military, will share his stories at School Bus Fleet ConneX.
Photo: School Bus Fleet
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dan Rooney will be the keynote speaker at School Bus Fleet ConneX (SBFX) on Sept. 23 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Rooney is a decorated F-16 pilot and the founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation, a nonprofit providing scholarships to families of fallen or disabled military and first responders. Since 2007, the Folds of Honor foundation has awarded nearly 44,000 scholarships totaling $200 million.
A bestselling author and sought-after speaker, Rooney is dedicated to inspiring others. He continues to serve in the Air Force and is a recipient of numerous awards for his military service and philanthropic work.
Rooney is a frequent guest of national media including podcasts, radio and network television. He has been recognized as one of People Magazine’s Heroes of the Year, Money Magazine’s Hero of the Year and ABC World News Tonight’s Persons of the Year.
"We’re honored to welcome such an extraordinary leader and philanthropist to our event," said George Brennan, School Bus Fleet publisher.
The three-day annual School Bus Fleet ConneX (SBFX) brings together a select group of pupil transportation professionals with school transportation suppliers at an all-inclusive networking retreat designed to accelerate the achievement of each participant's specific business goals.
The agenda includes one-on-one appointments between private and public operators and industry suppliers, group presentations, round table discussions and networking receptions.
More Management

Changing Lanes: BusWhere, EverDriven, InterMotive, Summit School Services, Switzer-Carty & Thomas Built Buses
Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation suppliers, contractors, and manufacturers.
Read More →
The Most Expensive Thing You Do Before Selling a School Bus: Wait
When should you sell an aging school bus? Learn how maintenance, mileage, corrosion, specifications, and timing can affect resale value long before the auction.
Read More →
American Student Transportation Partners Acquires AJ Myers and Sons
A new deal brings a 75-year Pennsylvania student transportation provider into one of the nation’s largest private school bus contracting groups.
Read More →
What I Brought Home From SBFX: Relationships, Leadership, and Preparing What's Next
Who could lead your transportation operation tomorrow if you couldn't? Bernando Brown explores succession planning, mentorship, and preparing emerging leaders to step up.
Read More →
Inside School Bus Fleet ConneX 2026: Industry Leaders Connect in Scottsdale [Photos]
See highlights from SBFX 2026 in Arizona, where school bus operators and suppliers gathered for meetings, education, networking, awards, and more.
Read More →
School Transportation’s Biggest Pressures and Opportunities: SBFX Attendees Weigh In
School bus operators point to rising costs, staffing, and vehicle prices as immediate pressures while identifying technology, training, and routing as opportunities for growth.
Read More →
STA Acquires Sunrise Transportation
Student Transportation of America expands in Illinois and Connecticut through Sunrise's fleet of nearly 1,000 vehicles.
Read More →
EPA Opens $180M DERA Funding Round for Diesel Upgrades
The 2026 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program seeks applications from eligible organizations to accelerate the retirement of legacy diesel vehicles.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive’s CareEngine Targets the ‘Exceptions’ in Student Transportation
The new platform works alongside districts’ existing transportation management systems to coordinate specialized rides, automate last-minute changes, and turn ride data into operational improvements.
Read More →
The Right Ride for Every Student: Navigating the New Student Transportation Ecosystem
How should districts blend school buses with small-vehicle transportation and other options? EverDriven CEO Mitch Bowling discusses safety, costs, partnerships, and strategy.
Read More →

