First Student Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

First Student has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, technology, and regional management.

Driven by a commitment to student safety and efficiency, First Student provides essential transportation solutions across North America, prioritizing reliable service and community partnership.

Leadership Roles at First Student

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Paul Osland
  • Chief Executive Officer & President - John Kenning
  • Chief Financial Officer - Joseph Schwaderer
  • Chief Operating Officer - Dean Suhre
  • President - RV.Andrew Muthamia
  • President, Canadian Operations - Francis Lalonde
  • 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 student transportation network. Osland's leadership focuses on enhancing service delivery, optimizing fleet management, and ensuring compliance with diverse district contracts. This executive role involves driving innovation in safety protocols and operational efficiency across all service areas. By fostering strong relationships with school districts and stakeholders, Paul Osland ensures First Student maintains its position as a leading provider of student transportation solutions. The executive's mandate includes guiding the company through evolving market demands and technological advancements, solidifying its commitment to safe and reliable student journeys.
    Paul Osland

    John Kenning - Chief Executive Officer & President

    John Kenning, the Chief Executive Officer & President at First Student, spearheads the company's strategic vision and executive leadership, guiding its mission to deliver safe and reliable student transportation. Kenning's responsibilities encompass driving operational excellence across the vast network of school districts served, ensuring seamless integration of services and adherence to stringent safety standards. This leadership position involves cultivating key partnerships with educational institutions and community leaders to enhance service offerings and expand market reach. Through strategic planning and a focus on continuous improvement, John Kenning champions initiatives that optimize fleet performance and driver training programs. The executive's oversight ensures First Student consistently meets the evolving needs of students, parents, and districts nationwide.
    John Kenning

    Joseph Schwaderer - Chief Financial Officer

    Joseph Schwaderer, the Chief Financial Officer at First Student, oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for the organization. Schwaderer's strategic financial management ensures the company's fiscal health and supports its growth objectives across North America. This executive function involves managing capital allocation, optimizing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. By providing critical financial insights and analysis, Joseph Schwaderer guides executive decisions related to investments, operational expenditures, and long-term financial planning. The CFO's leadership is integral to maintaining First Student's financial stability and its capacity to deliver essential transportation services to school districts.

    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 extensive North American footprint. Suhre's purview includes optimizing route planning, fleet maintenance, and driver management to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency for student transportation. This critical role involves implementing operational strategies that align with First Student's mission of providing reliable transit solutions to school districts. By overseeing regional operations and performance metrics, Dean Suhre drives continuous improvement initiatives and ensures adherence to contractual obligations. The executive's focus on operational excellence supports the company's commitment to safe, dependable, and punctual student journeys, reinforcing its market leadership.
    Dean Suhre

    RV.Andrew Muthamia - President

    RV.Andrew Muthamia, the President at First Student, holds a key leadership position overseeing significant operational segments of the company's extensive student transportation services. Muthamia's focus involves driving operational excellence and ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability across managed regions. This executive role is instrumental in implementing strategic initiatives that enhance service delivery and stakeholder satisfaction. By directing operational teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, RV.Andrew Muthamia supports First Student's mission to provide dependable transportation solutions to school districts. The President's leadership ensures efficient resource management and effective execution of company objectives.

    Francis Lalonde - President, Canadian Operations

    Francis Lalonde, the President, Canadian Operations at First Student, directs all strategic and operational activities for the company's extensive student transportation services throughout Canada. Lalonde's leadership ensures adherence to regional regulations, safety protocols, and contractual obligations with Canadian school districts. This executive role involves optimizing fleet management, driver recruitment and training, and route efficiency across diverse Canadian provinces. By fostering strong relationships with local communities and educational partners, Francis Lalonde drives service excellence and sustainable growth within the Canadian market. The President's oversight is critical to maintaining First Student's reputation for reliable and safe student transportation nationwide.
    Francis Lalonde

    Sean McCormack - Chief Information Officer

    Sean McCormack, the Chief Information Officer at First Student, leads the company's information technology strategy and infrastructure, ensuring robust and secure digital operations. McCormack's responsibilities include overseeing the development and implementation of technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and communication across the organization's vast network. This executive role focuses on leveraging technology to support First Student's mission of providing reliable student transportation. By managing IT systems, data security, and digital transformation initiatives, Sean McCormack ensures that the company remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the transportation sector. The CIO's strategic direction supports seamless service delivery and data integrity for all stakeholders.

    Sushant Patney - Chief Technology Officer, Office Electrification

    Sushant Patney, the Chief Technology Officer, Office Electrification at First Student, drives the technological advancements and strategic implementation of electrification initiatives within the company's fleet operations. Patney's expertise is crucial in developing and deploying sustainable transportation solutions, focusing on the integration of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. This executive role involves researching emerging technologies, managing pilot programs, and ensuring the successful transition to cleaner energy sources for student transportation. By leading the electrification strategy, Sushant Patney contributes significantly to First Student's environmental goals and its commitment to innovation. The CTO's vision guides the company towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future in student transit.

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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 John Kenning (Chief Executive Officer & President) and Joseph Schwaderer (Chief Financial 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), John Kenning (Chief Executive Officer & President), Joseph Schwaderer (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does First Student have?
    First Student has 8 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 Executive Officer & President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.