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NAPT ® Staffing Announcement
NAPT ® President Rick Grisham and NAPT ® Foundation President Steve Kalmes , CDPT , are pleased to announce that the organizations are taking steps to strengthen their capacity to support and assist the industry and their members . The Boards of Directors adopted a strategic plan that focuses on member growth and services as well as enhanced professional development opportunities . To accomplish this , the Boards approved a new organizational structure for both entities and today announced staffing changes . Together they opted to transition to a small-staff structure with the Boards of Directors providing general oversight and guidance . A staff of four directors will work as a team of equal partners , responsible for implementing the Board ’ s vision and strategic priorities .
The new staff leadership includes : Janna Smeltzer , managing director and director of membership and internal affairs . Smeltzer will be the senior staff member in the new team structure . She is the former Education & Member Services Coordinator and has been with NAPT ® for 10 years . She managed and strengthened the Professional Development Series ( PDS ) and certification programs , coordinated conference logistics , led membership services , trained new staff , and carried out many other leadership responsibilities .
Angela Kelly , CMP , director of marketing and events . Kelly , who joined NAPT ® in 2020 , holds a Certified Meeting Professional ( CMP ) designation through the Events Industry Council . She coordinated the association ’ s marketing , communications , and social media functions , and managed the numerous events and webinars that have become the mainstay of the association and foundation offerings through the pandemic . Grisham and Kalmes also announced recruitment efforts would begin immediately to fill two newly created positions : Director of Communications and Public Affairs and Director of Education and Professional Growth . “ We are seeking two solid professionals to round out our team and help drive us toward our strategic goals and vision ,” Grisham said . Grisham noted that long-time Executive Director and CEO Michael Martin is beginning his new role as the Managing Director for the NAPT ® Collaborative , a joint venture first announced in August 2021 between NAPT ® and the Center for Effective School Operations ( CESO ), based in Minneapolis . In that capacity , Martin also will continue to serve as a strategic advisor and provide guidance to the NAPT ® and Foundation Boards . He will be dedicating his efforts in the immediate future to NAPT ® ’ s relationships with the AASA ( the Superintendents Association ), ASBO International , NAPT ® ’ s School BUSRide magazine , the American School Bus Council , and the recently announced Electric School Bus Collaborative . “ This new leadership framework for our association reflects what we learned during the pandemic about flexibility and innovation ,” Grisham noted . We see this team-based approach as an exciting opportunity , filled with potential . It positions us to speak for and support our industry and our members in the best way we know how . That ’ s what our members have come to expect from their association .” “ The NAPT ® Foundation is excited about this opportunity to strengthen and enhance our industry ’ s educational offerings ,” said NAPT ® Foundation President Steve Kalmes . “ This will ensure that transportation professionals have access to an expansive suite of programs and platforms for learning . Our team at the Foundation and NAPT ® will bring us to the next level of quality and content products and services for our profession .”
Additional information about the developments at NAPT ® and the Foundation will be provided in future editions of School BUSRide magazine , the organization ’ s official publication , and other NAPT ® communications .
Ethan Allen Transportation bus driver Kevin Ross recognized by Ulster County
Ethan Allen Transportation school bus driver Kevin Ross has been recognized by Ulster County for his exceptional service and safety records . Ross , a driver with Ethan Allen Transportation for 13 years , was named runner up for Ulster County School Bus Driver of the Year , an annual award issued in conjunction with the Ulster County Traffic Safety Board and Operation Safe Stop . Ethan Allen Transportation provides transportation for the Kingston City School District . “ School bus drivers are entrusted with the wellbeing of their passengers and perform their jobs with unbelievable dedication ,” said Ethan Allen Transportation President John Corr . “ Year in and year out , Kevin exhibits a steadfast commitment to safety and his profession . He is always kind and respectful with all of the students on his bus and is greatly admired by his colleagues . It is gratifying to see him recognized by Ulster County and I know everyone at Ethan Allen Transportation joins me in congratulating Kevin on this important honor .” Ross received glowing letters of recommendation and support from fellow staff at the Harry L . Edson Elementary School and the J . Watson Bailey Middle School , including from Principal Debra Fitzgerald . He was nominated by Denise Wiley of Ethan Allen Transportation . At a ceremony held at the Ulster County Law Enforcement Center Rotunda , Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan congratulated Ross along with Lisa Haynes of the New Paltz Central School District , who was named Ulster County School Bus Driver of the Year . “ Congratulations to Lisa Haynes and Kevin Ross ,” said County Executive Ryan . “ They represent the approximately 700 school bus drivers throughout Ulster County who have one of the most important jobs — to care for our children and ensure that their school bus ride is safe . I truly appreciate their dedication , care , and commitment .” Operation Safe Stop is a cooperative project in New York State that seeks to promote school bus safety through education and enforcement efforts . During Operation Safe Stop , police officers in marked and unmarked patrol units monitor select bus routes that have a history of illegal passing complaints , and issue tickets to
8 | SCHOOL-BUSRIDE . COM | JUNE 2022