Inside NAPT’s growing committee structure and the leaders guiding its work forward
By Angela Kelly, CMP, Director of Marketing and Events, NAPT
Under the leadership of NAPT President Keith Kaup and the NAPT Executive Committee, this year’s Committee Chairs have been thoughtfully appointed to help guide the work ahead. These appointments are not just about structure; they reflect a deeper investment in volunteer leadership as a driving force behind the association’s impact.
At the same time, NAPT opened the door for broader member involvement through a call for committee applications, inviting all members to step forward and contribute their expertise, perspectives, and time.
A full list of committee members can be found by visiting the NAPT website, and throughout the year, we will continue to highlight the individuals behind this work through NAPT Member Spotlights in School BUSRide.
Together, this moment represents an intentional shift. By pairing appointed leadership with open pathways for involvement, NAPT is strengthening how our work gets done, ensuring it is shaped by the collective expertise of the profession.
We are proud to introduce this year’s Committee Chairs and recognize the leadership they bring to NAPT.
Don Paull, CDPT
Retired
Treasurer, National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) and NAPT Foundation (NAPTF)
I am the Committee Chair for both the Finance Committee and the Audit Committee. The Finance Committee will meet periodically to review revenue, expenses and accounting functions for both NAPT and the NAPT Foundation in order to ensure continued sound financial fu nctions. The Audit Committee will meet annually upon completion of the fiscal year which occurs on June 30. The Audit Committee will also review the tax returns upon completion. The committees will forward a report and recommendations, if any, to both Board of Directors. It is an honor to work with an experienced group of committee members to ensure continued sound financial decisions and accounting methods for the members of NAPT.
Melody Coniglio, CDPT/CSNT
Director of Transportation, West Geauga Local School District (OH)
President-Elect, NAPT
Serving as Nominations Committee Chair for National Association for Pupil Transportation is both an honor and a responsibility that I take seriously. To me, it means leading with purpose while elevating the profession beyond my own district. It’s about bringing transportation leaders together to share best practices, tackle complex challenges like driver related challenges, safety and shape meaningful solutions that impact students nationwide.
As chair, I see my role as a connector and advocate ensuring voices from the field are heard and fostering collaboration initiatives that support professional growth and operational excellence. It also means staying forward-thinking on elections or audit committees, supporting certification pathways, or helping guide policy discussions. All of which I have done in my time while being a member of NAPT.
Ultimately, it’s about service giving back to a profession that plays a critical role in students’ daily lives and ensuring we continue to move it forward with integrity, innovation, and care.
Bernando Brown, MBA, CDPT, CSPT, CPST
Student Transportation Director, DeKalb County School District (GA)
Serving as the NAPT Professional Growth Committee Chair is about one thing. Developing people. Not titles. Not meetings. Not checklists. People.
My job is to help move this profession forward by building leaders who are ready now. That means creating real opportunities for growth that show up on the job. Every effort should make someone better. More confident. More prepared. More capable to lead.
I see this role as the link between training and results. If it does not improve performance in the field, it is not working. We stay focused on what matters. Practical training. Strong mentorship. Clear pathways for advancement. When we invest in people the right way, teams get stronger and service improves for students.
I say it all the time, “Leadership is not a destination. It is a relay. Our job is to pass the baton stronger than we received it.”
Jared Richmond, CDPT
Director of Transportation and Maintenance, Carl Junction School District (MO)
Being the NAPT Awards Committee Chair means leading and supporting a team to get things done. To me, it’s about making sure everyone has a voice, keeping the group organized, and helping the committee stay focused on its goals. It’s about helping others work together and succeed. This role also means being responsible, communicating clearly, and handling challenges calmly. I see it as a chance to give back, support others, and make a positive impact. At the same time, it helps me grow as a leader by building skills like teamwork, patience, and problem-solving.
I also feel being the chair of the Awards Committee is the best role. We get firsthand information on all of the great things that our industry does and what we are able to accomplish.
Alexandra H. Robinson, M.Ed., CDPT
President, A. Robinson Consulting
Whether it’s developing policy for the membership or providing technical assistance across the country, NAPT committees have traditionally paved the way for both. Being named as a chair is great, but just being part of a committee of like-minded individuals – almost like a mini “think-tank” has always been rewarding. Unlike other NAPT ad-hoc committees, the Special Needs Committee has always been a product and project-centered working group. Over the years we’ve developed learning tools, served as expert witnesses and conference speakers, written PDS classes, hands-on books and guides and even created a certification. While I may be a bit biased, it’s safe to say that this is one of the most dedicated and hard-working NAPT committees, so along with vice-chair Sue Shutrump, it’s my hope that this year’s committee outcomes will be just as successful.
Peter Mannella
President, Policy Matters
NAPT Public Policy Liaison
I’ve been a member of NAPT since 1996 and have always tried to be involved as much as possible. To be able to play a part in leading this critical element of our overall program – Advocacy and Policy – means a lot to me.
I’ve spent a good part of my career advocating for education issues and for the children they serve. NAPT is all about children and their safety. I view NAPT as the voice of the industry and our work is to bring that voice into all those places that affect or influence our work.
I am working with the Public Policy Committee, the board and staff leaders to build out our advocacy infrastructure and to strengthen our relationships with government and related federal agencies. That will ensure a lasting capacity for our association and, more specifically, for our members. We are, after all, their voice.
In short, I am thrilled to have the committee we do, and I find this work exceptionally meaningful. It makes me proud to be a part.
Keith Henry, CDPT
Executive Director, Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation (MOAPT)
President, NAPTF
Serving as PDS Committee Chair is both an honor and a responsibility. It provides the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most knowledgeable and dedicated subject matter experts in our field. Through this role, I help guide meaningful discussions, support high-quality training, and contribute to the continued growth of our profession.
Being a chair is also about giving back. It’s a chance to build on the strong foundation created by those before us and ensure that the work continues to move forward. By maintaining consistency, encouraging new ideas, and supporting fellow members, we help preserve the excellence that the National Association for Pupil Transportation is known for.
Ultimately, serving as a committee chair is about leadership, service, and commitment to continuous improvement for the benefit of our entire transportation community.
We’re excited to see where this next chapter of committee-driven leadership takes NAPT.
That work is already underway. This October in Louisville at NAPT ACTS, capstone recertification courses to complete the credential path for those recertifying and the final professional growth sessions are being developed by the NAPT Professional Growth Committee. This work showcases the impact of volunteer leadership in action.
It’s just the beginning, and we look forward to what this collective leadership will continue to build.