The foundation of a successful company begins with its people. No matter where one may stand on the corporate ladder, each person is a valuable asset to a company’s mission. At Student Transportation of America (STA), we fully believe that every role within our organization is essential to our core goals and mission: safe and reliable transportation for all students. Each team member plays a critical role in continually reaching this goal, from drivers to bus monitors and regional managers. That is why we are excited to introduce STA’s new series, On the Road to Leadership.  

On the Road to Leadership is a series that reflects more than an organization’s professional growth. It shares the stories of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by their careers with STA, and serves as a testament to our company’s culture of supporting its community both internally and externally. As we continue to encourage members of the STA Family to set and reach their goals, take on new challenges, and continue doing what they love, we hope also to inspire others who may have their own goals of advancing within our organization, or who are curious about joining our team and opening the door to the many opportunities that a career with STA can provide. 

The hard-working and inspiring individuals we will highlight are perfect examples of how STA puts family values first to provide support for all of our workers. Through guidance from other leaders within the organization and a commitment to improving protocols and procedures, these leaders have taken the next steps in their roles and continue to prove STA as a place for individuals to learn, grow, and serve their community. Continue reading to meet our first group of featured leaders, and check here each Tuesday to explore new stories!  

Lisa Pointon, General Manager 
Lisa Pointon began her career as a school bus driver and was quickly promoted to dispatcher, Regional Operations Manager, and now General Manager for Southern New Jersey. It all started when Lisa improved her route sheet and returned it to her then-supervisor, who was greatly impressed by her work. Lisa began growing within the company and was recognized as a strong force by those on the leadership team. She bleeds yellow with passion for her position at STA and aims to provide the same style of leadership that she once received.   

Angela Williams, Area General Manager 
One of our longest-tenured and deeply cherished employees, Angela Williams has been with the STA Family of Companies for 27 years and oversees 6 locations in California as Area General Manager. Angela steadily began advancing in her transportation career and hasn’t looked back since. As a young wife and mother, she wanted more time with her children while also bringing in extra income. This decision to join the STA Family as a school bus driver has been what Angela describes as life changing. 

Kelly Johnson, Vice President of Operations 
Beginning her career as a school bus driver in 2006, Kelly Johnson worked her way up to Vice President of Operations for Texas in 2020, a title she proudly holds today. Overseeing 14 locations throughout the state, she doesn’t let anything or anybody stop her from doing her job to the best of her abilities. Recognized as a natural leader, she grew into her position quickly and continues to motivate her team through support and respect. Kelly holds the belief that whatever career goals you may have can be achieved with the help of other members of the STA Family.  

Erin Ricciardi, Terminal Manager 
Since 2011, Erin Ricciardi, Terminal Manager for our East Greenwich operation in Rhode Island, joined the STA Family as she entered a new chapter of her life. Erin enjoys how gratifying it is to work with children and to be able to serve her community by providing them with safe and reliable transportation. Before coming into her current leadership role, she worked closely with her mentor, who had plenty of faith and trust in Erin to do a great job. She credits this as a huge part of growing and becoming the leader she is today. Leading with an open-door policy, Erin is always there for drivers, monitors, and all who need her.  

Tammy Taylor, Area General Manager 
Prior to joining STA in 2009 as a dispatcher in Jacksonville, Florida, Tammy Taylor was no stranger to the transportation industry. Having had experience with other companies, Tammy knows the importance of a healthy work atmosphere, family environment, and safety, and now serves as the Area General Manager. She coins this to be what truly sets STA apart from others in the student transportation industry. In fact, getting students to and from school and allowing them access to education each day helps keep her motivated.  

Our hope in sharing these stories is to inspire other school bus drivers, bus monitors, trainers, mechanics, and others to pursue their own roads to leadership if they so desire with the support of the STA team. Whether you’re already part of the STA Family or looking to embark on your career journey with us, the support from our leaders is rooted in wanting the best for their workers and the communities they serve.