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.
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 ...
February 4, 2009
1 min to read
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
Sponsored•March 13, 2026
2026 School Bus Fleet Vendor Directory & Buyer's Guide
Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Launches In-App Ride Recording and Real-Time Student Trip Tracking Tool
New software features add smartphone-based ride recording and web trip tracking to boost safety, transparency, and caregiver visibility.
Read More →
School Bus Labor Disputes and Union Organizing Continue Across North America
School bus drivers and monitors in New York joined Teamsters, while others in Alaska and Ontario face ongoing strikes over wages and contracts.
Read More →
Zonar Announces New Executive Leadership Appointments
After a recent merger and another acquisition, Zonar looks to the future with its four new executive team leads.
Read More →
Kajeet Launches Low-Cost Internet Program for Schools and Buses
In the wake of federal funding cuts to the e-rate program and on-board WiFi, Kajeet offers a new option for Internet connectivity where it matters most for students.
Read More →
The Bus Center Named a 2025 Top 4 Forest River Dealer
The Bus Center was named a Top 4 Dealer for Forest River Bus & Van for 2025, marking its second consecutive year receiving recognition from the manufacturer.
Read More →
Model1 Opens New Illinois Location, Joins Sourcewell
The dealership's new Elgin location will serve commercial fleets across the Chicago area.
Read More →
Two Midwest Districts Turn to Transfinder
Two separate school districts in Illinois and Ohio have rolled out Transfinder's Routefinder and Tripfinder solutions, respectively.
Read More →
How GPS Tracking Helps School Bus Fleets Improve On-Time Performance Without Adding Routes
Struggling with late buses? GPS data can help fleets cut delays, fix route bottlenecks, and improve on-time performance without adding routes.
Read More →
Zonar Becomes First CARB-Approved OEM Telematics Provider
Zonar received CARB certification allowing fleets with factory-installed V4 telematics devices to automatically submit emissions data for Clean Truck Check compliance.
Read More →