Carnegie resident Peter J. Pearson has been named regional chief operating officer of the new central region for Student Transportation of America (STA).

The move is part of the company’s strategic management realignment to prepare for continued growth in the $15 billion school transportation industry. STA currently operates more than 5,000 school vehicles transporting students in 10 states and Ontario, Canada.

Pearson will be responsible for overseeing STA-owned school bus companies in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Minnesota.

Pearson, who has served as vice president of operations for STA in Pennsylvania since 1997, began his transportation career more than 23 years ago at FedEx. In 1991, he was named director of operations for Laidlaw Transit in Sea Girt, NJ, and later served as director of business development for four southeastern states.

A graduate of Gannon University, Pearson holds a B.S. in business administration.