First Student Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

First Student has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operational logistics, and regional management.

Committed to safe and reliable student transportation, First Student delivers essential mobility solutions across North America while maintaining rigorous standards for school district partnerships and community-focused service excellence.

Leadership Roles at First Student

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Paul Osland
  • Chief Operating Officer - Dean Suhre
  • President, Canadian Operations - Francis Lalonde
  • Chief Information Officer - Sean McCormack
  • Paul Osland - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Paul Osland, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Student, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing the entire North American transportation network, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between corporate objectives and the daily requirements of school district partners. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving long-term growth through service innovation. By prioritizing safety protocols and operational efficiency, Paul Osland directly impacts the quality of student transit across the continent. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains constant communication with the Board to refine business models and expand market reach. Through consistent focus on performance metrics, Osland secures the company's position as a leader in the transportation sector. This executive leadership ensures that every contract meets the highest standards of reliability and professional excellence within the competitive landscape of student mobility.
    Paul Osland

    Dean Suhre - Chief Operating Officer

    Dean Suhre, the Chief Operating Officer at First Student, manages the daily execution of transportation services across the North American market. Overseeing fleet maintenance and driver recruitment, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every school district contract receives consistent, high-quality support. This role involves optimizing resource allocation and streamlining logistics to maximize operational efficiency. By implementing rigorous safety standards and performance benchmarks, Dean Suhre drives the company's commitment to reliable student transit. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with regional teams to address service challenges and maintain fleet readiness. Through the application of data-driven management techniques, Suhre improves service delivery and reduces overhead costs. This leadership position remains vital for sustaining the company's reputation for excellence, as the Chief Operating Officer continuously refines operational processes to meet the evolving needs of school districts and families.
    Dean Suhre

    Francis Lalonde - President, Canadian Operations

    Francis Lalonde, the President, Canadian Operations at First Student, directs all business activities and service delivery within the Canadian market. Overseeing regional growth and local school district partnerships, the President, Canadian Operations ensures that transportation solutions meet specific provincial requirements and safety standards. This role involves managing local teams and aligning Canadian initiatives with the broader corporate strategy. By fostering strong relationships with educational authorities, Francis Lalonde drives market expansion and service reliability across the country. The President, Canadian Operations monitors performance metrics to ensure consistent quality in student transit. Through strategic oversight of regional assets and personnel, Lalonde maintains the company's competitive standing in the Canadian transportation sector. This leadership role focuses on delivering safe, efficient, and community-oriented services, ensuring that the organization remains the preferred partner for school districts throughout the region.
    Francis Lalonde

    Sean McCormack - Chief Information Officer

    Sean McCormack, the Chief Information Officer at First Student, architects the digital infrastructure supporting large-scale transportation logistics. Managing the integration of advanced fleet management software, the Chief Information Officer drives technological transformation across all regional operations. This role involves securing data integrity for school district contracts and optimizing communication systems for real-time transit tracking. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, Sean McCormack enhances the efficiency of routing and scheduling platforms. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with operational leaders to deploy hardware and software tools that improve safety and transparency for parents and administrators. Through the modernization of internal systems, McCormack supports the company's mission to provide reliable student transportation. This leadership function remains critical for maintaining a competitive edge in the digital age, ensuring that all technological assets align with the broader goals of the organization.

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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 Dean Suhre (Chief Operating Officer) and Francis Lalonde (President, Canadian Operations).
    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), Dean Suhre (Chief Operating Officer), Francis Lalonde (President, Canadian Operations) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does First Student have?
    First Student has 4 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 Operating Officer, President, Canadian Operations, Chief Information Officer.