This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by first-time guest Denis Gallagher, Jr., Senior Vice President of Operations for Student Transportation of America (STA). Denis provides information about STA and its operations, and then he highlights his legacy of being fifth generation in private contracting. He then talks about his prior experiences before beginning his career at STA and the importance of building relationships in your field, so you can lean on as a support system in your professional endeavors. Denis and Curt highlight the balance relying on analytics and having a feel for day-to-day operations. Denis is a self-avowed "draftnik" and the duo take a deep dive into the upcoming NFL Draft, as well as Denis’ pain of being a longtime New York Jets fan. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined Rich Kelly, founder & president of RC Kelly Law Associates in Lansdale, PA. Rich serves as NSTA Counsel, and he discusses issues on the frontlines of school bus contracting that he has encountered recently. Curt and Rich talk about the current regulatory environment they are seeing in the several weeks since the changeover to the Trump administration. They also highlight the expansion of alternative student transportation with varying requirements being considered across several states. Rich also mentions the current grant environment and what he has heard on the talk of tariffs. Lastly, Rich leaves listeners with a piece of advice to help manage priorities during unsettling times and the importance of belonging to your State and National Association. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by first-time guest, Cherie Hime, Executive Director of the Wisconsin School Bus Association (WSBA) to close the March celebration of Women History Month on the podcast. Cherie outlines her background in the association management and how that led her to taking reins at WSBA in 2014. She talks about her day-to-day work as an Executive Director, handling everything from marketing and membership to events and advocacy. Cherie and Curt talk about current legislative activity in Wisconsin and highlight WSBA’s annual Legislative Day. And lastly, Cherie shares what being a woman in transportation means to her emphasizing the importance of networking and collaboration to help other women grow within the student transportation industry. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by first time guest, Shannon Sawyer, Executive Vice President of Fleet & Midwest Bus Sales for Beacon Mobility. Shannon shares her background with the common theme of transportation and how her passion for safe, efficient, and reliable for high needs transportation led her to Beacon Mobility, and she then gives us a behind the scenes look at what goes into operating a fleet - with opportunities for innovation in school transportation. Lasty, Shannon shares empowering advice for women looking to grow their careers within the school transportation industry by relying on your network to help each other be successful. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by first time guest, Jenna Fromm, CEO of Palmer Bus Service. Jenna shares her history with the yellow school bus and what brought her to the current role as Chief Executive Director. Jenna then discusses the things that she believes are important that make up a leader. And lastly, Jenna gives a piece advice to those looking for a future career in the school transportation industry. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by  Rachel Lane, Vice President of Electrification and Sustainability of Student Transpiration of America, Rachel also serves on the NSTA Board of Directors. Rachel delves into her background and what led her to Student Transportation of America. Rachel discusses being a woman in transportation and how her background helped prepare her for the industry. Rachel offers some advice for young women in transportation. Lastly, Rachel looks at the future of the electrification of the school bus fleet. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by  Gerry Wosewick, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association. Gerry and Curt delve into the Under the Hood Exemption and address some common misconceptions. The duo discuss the recent transition in the PSBA Presidency. Gerry highlights the upcoming legislative session in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the items PSBA will be monitoring. Lastly, the duo preview the upcoming Baseball season. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by  Shane Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, Palmer Bus Service, an NSTA Contractor Member and Member of the NSTA Board of Directors. Shane outlines his background and what led him to student transportation. Shane and Curt discuss the importance of working with other operators throughout the country through Associations. Shane delves into some recent initiatives in Minnesota with the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association (MSBOA). Lastly, Shane highlights his recent entry into the podcast space with the "Morning Route Podcast" Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by  Becky Weber, Managing Director, Prime Policy Group and NSTA Lobbyist. Becky provides updates from the first several weeks of the second Trump Administration in Washington D.C. Becky and Curt then preview the upcoming NSTA Webinar, " Capitol Hill Roundtable with Prime Policy A look at the first month under the second Trump Administration", which will take place on Wednesday February 26, 10:30 - 11:30 AM and feature Rich Meade and Tom Reed of Prime Policy Group. Becky then encourages NSTA Members to join her in Washington in March for the Annual NSTA Capitol Hill Bus-In.  This episode was sponsored by First Light Safety Products! Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by  Ted Thien, Vice President and General Manger of Tyler Technologies, an NSTA Vendor Partner Member. Ted outlines his background and his path to student transportation. The duo recap the recent session at the 2025 NSTA Midwinter Meeting "AI on the School Bus - What it Means Now and, In the Future" which Ted was a panelist on. Curt and Ted then delve into the future technologies being implemented on the school bus. Ted covers the "uberfication" of the school bus experience.  Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!

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