New president named for First Student
CINCINNATI — FirstGroup America has appointed Linda Bell president of First Student Inc. Bell joined FirstGroup in January 2008, serving most ...
CINCINNATI — FirstGroup America has appointed Linda Bell president of First Student Inc.
Bell joined FirstGroup in January 2008, serving most recently as president of the company’s other subsidiaries, First Transit and First Services.
She has 12 years of experience in transportation, having served as chief financial officer of Houston-based Coach USA, a charter bus, airport shuttle, sightseeing, group tour and taxi service.
“Linda will be a tremendous asset to First Student,” said Mike Murray, CEO of FirstGroup America. “Her knowledge of the transportation industry and her focus on safety and customer service will further strengthen our team.”
In other news, David Duke, senior vice president of sales for First Transit and First Services, will now also be responsible for sales for First Student. Duke joined FirstGroup America in August 2008 and has more than 20 years of experience in the transportation industry.
“I am pleased to have David leading the sales strategy in all three parts of the organization,” said Carey Paster, president and CEO of commercial development at FirstGroup America. “He has a keen focus on customer retention and a track record of attracting long-term customers. I know he will bring those skills to First Student.”
More Management
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 →
Annette Brown Always Takes the Extra Time: Meet Our 2026 School Bus Driver Hero
For more than 30 years, the Wa-Nee Community Schools driver has treated students like family, combining safety, compassion, and servant leadership to make a lasting difference on and beyond the school bus.
Read More →