The NAPT Board swearing-in ceremony occurred at the NAPT Annual Conference & Trade Show (ACTS) in Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, November 1, 2025
On Saturday morning at NAPT ACTS in Grand Rapids, the newly elected Board of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) was formally sworn in in front of an engaged audience of industry leaders and members. The ceremony began with remarks from Executive Director & CEO Molly McGee Hewitt, who reminded the board members that they had been “elected and empowered by our members to serve as their voice in the operation and direction of NAPT. This is an honor and an obligation.”
Following that, the board members were invited to raise their right hands and repeat the oath:
“I swear, without reservation or hesitation, that I will do my best to carry out my duties as a member of the NAPT Board of Directors. I will faithfully and fully carry out my legal obligations, and will do my utmost to promote, support, and defend the student transportation industry.”
Strong applause followed as the newly confirmed leadership was introduced. Key leadership updates include:
• Keith Kaup, who moves from President-Elect to President, officially beginning his two-year term.
• Melody Coniglio, elected in October as President-Elect, creating a temporary vacancy in the Region 3 Director seat until a special election in early 2026.
• Marc Medina, elected in early October as Region 1 Director, becoming the first new Director in that region since Peter Lawrence completed his three consecutive terms.
• Dawnett Wright, elected as Region 5 Director, succeeding Athena Bartz, who completed one term and chose not to seek reelection.
Alex Spann, Rosalyn Vann Jackson, and Maritza Valentin will continue serving in their respective terms. Additionally, Teena Mitchell transitions into the newly established role of Immediate Past President, a position approved by members in the October bylaw amendment vote.
The atmosphere in the room reflected optimism, momentum, and unity. Attendees noted that the incoming leadership blends continuity with fresh perspectives—offering steady guidance through President Keith Kaup’s experience and new vision through President-Elect Melody Coniglio. Additionally, Teena Mitchell’s role as Immediate Past President will ensure a seamless connection between the incoming and outgoing presidents.
In her closing remarks, Molly McGee Hewitt emphasized the critical role of the Board:
“Our industry is navigating evolving regulatory pressures, new technologies, workforce challenges, and student safety priorities, and your leadership positions you to help shape how NAPT responds and advances.”
School BUSRide spoke with newly elected directors Marc Media and Dawnett Wright following the ceremony. Here’s what they shared:
Marc Medina:
“To be in Grand Rapids with the very best transportation professionals from across the country and being sworn in as Region 1 Director was one of the honors of my life and highlights of my career. Serving is a responsibility I hold with deep gratitude, knowing that our collective work directly supports the safety, opportunity, and well-being of students nationwide. I look forward to working with my fellow NAPT Board members, Molly McGee-Hewitt, NAPT Professional Staff, and the Foundation Board to move the business of NAPT forward into the future.”
Dawnett Wright:
“What fuels my passion is the understanding that we’re not merely transporting students, we’re protecting their futures. Every day, we are entrusted with our communities’ most precious cargo, and there’s a profound honor to be the reliable, compassionate, and safe bridge between home and education. This industry is more than buses and routes; it centers on the relationships we build, the trust families place in us, and the realization that our commitment directly impacts whether children arrive to school ready to learn. Being part of this profession means being part of something greater than ourselves, we are the vital foundation that makes education accessible and achievable.”
The swearing-in concluded with a reminder that, while most seats are now filled, the Region 3 Director position remains open until the special election scheduled for early 2026. Members in attendance were encouraged to stay engaged and consider stepping forward to fulfill an open leadership position.
The NAPT Foundation Board took an oath as well. NAPT Foundation Board Members are partners with the NAPT Board in the advancement of our association and our profession.
To see the complete make up of the NAPT Foundation Board, visit the NAPT website.