Student Transportation of America has announced that Rachel Lane has joined the company's leadership team as vice president of electrification and sustainability. In this role, Lane will lead the company's Green Fleet initiative, including the electric vehicle program, and further the company's commitment to achieving a greener environment through the addition of electric school buses to its fleet.
"I am thrilled to welcome Rachel to STA and our leadership team. Her deep experience in the adoption of electric vehicles gives STA the elevated level of expertise and support necessary to continue our forward momentum toward the goal of zero emissions," said Patrick Vaughan, chief executive officer of STA. "The addition of Rachel to our management team reinforces STA's continued commitment to achieving a greener environment."
Lane comes to STA from PSEG Long Island's electric vehicles program where she supported New York's nation-leading greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals by increasing the state's adoption of electric vehicles. Her experience in building out the necessary infrastructure and knowledge of utility and grid capabilities will be instrumental in leading STA's move toward fleet electrification.
"With Rachel's experience in electrification, passion for sustainability, and in-depth knowledge of the installation of commercial and residential EV charging infrastructures, she is no doubt the right person to lead STA's EV program," said STA Chief Operating Officer Gene Kowalczewski. "It's an exciting time for STA, as we've laid the foundation for a more sustainable future and I'm confident that Rachel will continue to move us forward in a thoughtful, pragmatic way. She will play a key role in further mapping the future of STA's sustainability goals."
"I am thrilled to join the STA family at such an exciting time for the company," Lane said. "STA has already made great strides toward meeting its goal of zero emissions, especially with the launch of its pilot programs for electric buses in select rural, suburban, and urban environments. I look forward to diving in and further evolving, and where necessary improving, these EV initiatives in a strategic and efficient manner."
Lane earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Lehigh University and a master of business administration from Indiana University's Kelly School of Business. She complemented her education by securing a certificate in energy innovation and emerging technologies from Stanford University, as well as attending leadership programs at Fordham University. She also served in the U.S. Air Force as a chief engineer and flight commander before moving on to Northrop Grumman Corporation, where she served in roles of increasing responsibility in the development of military intelligence systems.
