CARNEGIE, Pa. — Peter J. Pearson has been named president of the Student Transportation of America Education Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Student Transportation of America (STA).

Pearson, currently chief operating officer for STA’s central region, is one of the founding trustees of the foundation, which serves to advance educational opportunities available to deserving students enrolled in the school districts served by local STA companies.

The foundation was created in 2003 and held its first fundraising event in 2004: the STA/John Finfrock Scholarship Golf Outing. The annual event honors John Finfrock, a long-time educator who has dedicated his life to serving students and Pennsylvania communities.

The outing has raised more than $100,000 to date and provided $40,000 in scholarships to high school graduates from some of the 27 Pennsylvania school districts served by STA.

“Pete had the foresight to see the good work that the STA Education Foundation could do and he has been the driving force behind it since its inception,” said STA Chairman and CEO Denis Gallagher. “We have a history of long-term relationships with school districts and the children they serve. We are invested in their safety and their success and our foundation’s scholarships are tangible expressions of that investment.”

Prior to assuming his current position, Pearson served as vice president of operations for STA in Pennsylvania.