Lisa Pointon
Lisa Pointon
Lisa Pointon began her career with Student Transportation of America (STA) as a school bus driver and was quickly promoted to dispatcher, Regional Operations Manager, and now General Manager for Southern New Jersey. Early on, Lisa took the initiative when she first received her route sheet and noticed a few errors that needed fixing. She improved the sheet and returned it to her supervisor, who was undoubtedly impressed by this attention to detail. Lisa’s peers and superiors immediately recognized this type of drive; Lisa began growing within the company and was recognized as a vital force by those on the leadership team.
“Every position I’ve held here has taught me something that I use in my next role.”
The leadership and knowledge she received from her mentor, Ron Rick, gave her the tools needed to grow as a leader. Referring to him as the smartest man in the industry, she was able to learn not only the technicalities of the industry but how to become a leader under his guidance. Lisa bleeds yellow, and as she looks for potential in others, she uses the same lessons he taught her while providing a similar leadership style.
“I’m trusted to do what’s right for the company and that’s the most rewarding part.”
Holding a leadership position challenged Lisa in ways that she hadn’t imagined. While the job has its own unique challenges, it’s nothing that Lisa cannot handle and nothing that makes her any less passionate about serving her community. She realized that it is all about growth and adaptability, noting that there’s always something new to learn, even when you think you have seen it all. Having patience has also been key for Lisa, for herself and for others; as she grew into her leadership position, it has been important to her that she acknowledges her employees’ need to be heard and with patience. This helps her create a more collaborative and open work environment for her team. She is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and heard, coming in the form of team-building exercises or supporting the team in whatever ways they may need. This type of team building and focus on safety and training has helped the company grow and adapt as the industry changes.
Despite the many unique challenges the job may present, Lisa finds coming to work each day to be incredibly fulfilling. Her advice for those looking to join the STA family is straightforward: you can’t appreciate the top until you start from the bottom. Her experience as a school bus driver all the way up to General Manager has given her an appreciation and unique viewpoint for each role within the company.
“What sets STA apart is that everyone from safety to operations is supportive.”
As Lisa continues to grow and reach milestones in her career with STA, one thing remains constant: her dedication to the organization and her team. Whether that includes staying late to ensure everything is ready for her team the next day or hosting team-building events, Lisa approaches everything with a smile, passion, and hard work. If you’re willing to learn and grow, the possibilities are endless at STA.