First Student Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

First Student has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, finance, technology electrification, and regional management.

Driven by a commitment to student safety and reliable transportation, First Student focuses on delivering exceptional service through strategic partnerships with school districts across North America, impacting millions of students daily.

Leadership Roles at First Student

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Paul Osland
  • Chief Financial Officer - Joseph Schwaderer
  • Chief Operating Officer - Dean Suhre
  • President, Canadian Operations - Francis Lalonde
  • President - RV.Andrew Muthamia
  • Chief Information Officer - Sean McCormack
  • Chief Technology Officer, Office Electrification - Sushant Patney
  • Paul Osland - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Paul Osland, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Student, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the company's extensive North American school transportation network. Osland guides the executive team in optimizing service delivery to school districts, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and driving financial performance across all regions. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in transportation solutions and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients and regulatory bodies. By focusing on operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives, Paul Osland ensures First Student upholds its commitment to safely transporting students and enhancing the efficiency of school transportation services nationwide. The Chief Executive Officer's vision shapes the company's direction, emphasizing sustainable practices and continuous improvement in service quality.
    Paul Osland

    Joseph Schwaderer - Chief Financial Officer

    Joseph Schwaderer, the Chief Financial Officer at First Student, oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and reporting for the organization. Schwaderer manages the company's financial health, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation to support growth and operational objectives across North America. This executive role involves developing financial strategies that align with the company's mission of providing safe and efficient student transportation services. Joseph Schwaderer's leadership ensures that financial resources are effectively deployed to maintain fleet operations, invest in technology, and meet contractual obligations with school districts. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is crucial for driving profitability and long-term financial stability.

    Dean Suhre - Chief Operating Officer

    Dean Suhre, the Chief Operating Officer at First Student, directs the day-to-day operational activities and service delivery across the company's vast network of school transportation services throughout North America. Suhre oversees the management of field operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and reliability in student transportation. This executive position involves optimizing fleet management, driver performance, and route planning to meet the diverse needs of school districts. Dean Suhre's responsibilities extend to implementing best practices in operational execution and fostering a culture of safety and service excellence among the frontline teams. By focusing on operational effectiveness, Suhre drives the company's ability to provide dependable transportation solutions, directly impacting student safety and parental confidence.
    Dean Suhre

    Francis Lalonde - President, Canadian Operations

    Francis Lalonde, the President, Canadian Operations at First Student, leads and directs all aspects of the company's school transportation services throughout Canada. Lalonde is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, safety compliance, and strategic growth within the Canadian market, managing relationships with school districts and stakeholders across the country. This executive position involves overseeing regional management teams, optimizing service delivery, and implementing company-wide initiatives tailored to the Canadian operational landscape. Francis Lalonde's leadership ensures that First Student provides reliable and safe transportation solutions to students and communities nationwide. The President of Canadian Operations plays a pivotal role in expanding the company's presence and reinforcing its commitment to service quality in Canada.
    Francis Lalonde

    RV.Andrew Muthamia - President

    RV.Andrew Muthamia, the President at First Student, drives strategic initiatives and operational oversight for key segments of the company's extensive transportation network. Muthamia focuses on enhancing service delivery, fostering innovation, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency across designated operational areas. This leadership role involves collaborating with executive teams to achieve corporate objectives and strengthen client relationships with school districts. RV.Andrew Muthamia's contributions are vital to the company's mission of providing dependable student transportation solutions. The President's strategic direction supports the overall growth and operational integrity of First Student's services.

    Sean McCormack - Chief Information Officer

    Sean McCormack, the Chief Information Officer at First Student, architects and executes the company's comprehensive information technology strategy, ensuring robust and secure digital infrastructure to support nationwide operations. McCormack oversees the development and implementation of technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve data management, and support client communication across school districts. This critical role involves managing IT systems, cybersecurity protocols, and digital transformation initiatives that are vital to First Student's service delivery model. By driving technological advancements, Sean McCormack ensures that the company's IT capabilities align with its mission of providing safe and reliable student transportation. The Chief Information Officer's leadership focuses on leveraging technology to streamline processes, optimize resource allocation, and deliver superior value to customers.

    Sushant Patney - Chief Technology Officer, Office Electrification

    Sushant Patney, the Chief Technology Officer, Office Electrification at First Student, spearheads the technological advancements and strategic implementation of electrification initiatives within the company's fleet operations. Patney directs the research, development, and deployment of electric vehicle technology and related infrastructure, aiming to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact. This specialized role involves evaluating new technologies, managing pilot programs, and integrating electric solutions into existing transportation networks across North America. Sushant Patney's focus on electrification is critical for First Student's commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. The Chief Technology Officer's vision drives the transition towards cleaner transportation, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of sustainable practices in student mobility.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding First Student Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads First Student?
    First Student is led by Paul Osland (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Joseph Schwaderer (Chief Financial Officer) and Dean Suhre (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of First Student’s executive team?
    The executive team of First Student includes leaders such as Paul Osland (President & Chief Executive Officer), Joseph Schwaderer (Chief Financial Officer), Dean Suhre (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does First Student have?
    First Student has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in First Student’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of First Student includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Canadian Operations, President.