Student Transportation of America (STA) has promoted Gene Kowalczewski to chief operating officer of STA's School Transportation Group, the company announced on Wednesday.

In his new role, Kowalczewski will oversee the group’s North American school bus operations. 

Patrick Vaughan, the president of STA’s School Transportation Group, said that Kowalczewski has developed a positive reputation for being an effective leader and communicator throughout his almost 30-year career.

“Since joining STA back in 2008, Gene and his team have been at the forefront of the company’s historic growth from Maine to Florida,” Vaughan said. “Their results in the areas of safety and service are highly respected throughout STA, and we look forward to his outstanding leadership carrying on throughout our organization.”

Kowalczewski said that he is honored to take on his new role at STA and to continue working with the company's senior leadership team.

“There are many challenges facing the school transportation industry currently, such as combating driver shortages, improving safety measures, developing new technologies, pushing alternative fuels, and working to improve and better communicate directly with parents and other stakeholders,” Kowalczewski added. “ We will continue to work with our customers to overcome the various challenges they face and stay extremely focused on safety and service.”