First Student Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

First Student has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational logistics, information technology, regional management, and business development.

Committed to safe and reliable student transportation, First Student delivers essential mobility solutions across North America while maintaining a rigorous focus on operational excellence and community-centered service standards.

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
  • Paul Osland - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Paul Osland, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Student, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest provider of student transportation in North America. Osland architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the company maintains high safety standards across thousands of school district contracts. By aligning corporate objectives with the evolving needs of educational institutions, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency throughout the entire organization. Paul Osland manages high-level relationships with key stakeholders and board members to secure market leadership. This executive role involves constant evaluation of service delivery models to optimize fleet performance and student safety. Through decisive leadership, Osland fosters a culture of reliability and innovation. The President & Chief Executive Officer monitors macro-economic trends to guide the company toward sustainable expansion. Ultimately, Osland secures the operational integrity of the business, ensuring that every school district receives consistent, high-quality transportation support.
    Paul Osland

    Joseph Schwaderer - Chief Financial Officer

    Joseph Schwaderer, the Chief Financial Officer at First Student, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Schwaderer oversees financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes that support the company's extensive North American transportation network. By analyzing complex cost structures associated with fleet maintenance and labor, the Chief Financial Officer ensures optimal resource distribution across all school district contracts. Joseph Schwaderer collaborates with executive leadership to evaluate investment opportunities in new technology and infrastructure. This role requires precise risk management to protect the financial stability of the enterprise. Through rigorous oversight of financial performance, Schwaderer drives profitability and operational efficiency. The Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency with stakeholders while navigating the economic challenges inherent in large-scale transportation services. Ultimately, Schwaderer secures the long-term financial viability of the company, enabling continued investment in safe and reliable student transit solutions.

    Dean Suhre - Chief Operating Officer

    Dean Suhre, the Chief Operating Officer at First Student, executes the daily operational strategy for the company's vast fleet and workforce. Suhre directs the implementation of safety protocols and service standards across all North American school district partnerships. By optimizing routing efficiency and driver management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures the seamless delivery of transportation services. Dean Suhre coordinates with regional teams to maintain high performance levels and operational consistency. This leadership role involves managing complex logistics to meet the daily demands of thousands of students. Through continuous process improvement, Suhre drives operational excellence and reduces service disruptions. The Chief Operating Officer monitors key performance indicators to identify areas for improvement in fleet utilization and maintenance. Ultimately, Suhre secures the operational reliability of the organization, ensuring that every student receives safe and timely transportation to and from school.
    Dean Suhre

    Francis Lalonde - President, Canadian Operations

    Francis Lalonde, the President, Canadian Operations at First Student, directs all business activities and service delivery across the Canadian market. Lalonde architects regional growth strategies that align with the specific regulatory and educational requirements of Canadian school districts. By overseeing local management teams and fleet operations, the President, Canadian Operations ensures consistent service quality and safety standards. Francis Lalonde manages relationships with provincial authorities and school boards to expand the company's footprint. This leadership role involves adapting corporate policies to meet the unique needs of the Canadian landscape. Through effective regional management, Lalonde drives operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The President, Canadian Operations monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for service expansion and innovation. Ultimately, Lalonde secures the company's position as a leader in student transportation within Canada, ensuring that every contract reflects the organization's commitment to safety and reliability.
    Francis Lalonde

    RV.Andrew Muthamia - President

    RV.Andrew Muthamia, the President at First Student, drives business development and strategic partnerships to expand the company's reach in the transportation sector. Muthamia architects initiatives focused on market penetration and the acquisition of new school district contracts across North America. By identifying emerging opportunities for service growth, the President ensures the company remains at the forefront of the industry. RV.Andrew Muthamia collaborates with executive leadership to refine the company's value proposition and service offerings. This role involves managing high-level negotiations and fostering long-term relationships with educational partners. Through strategic planning, Muthamia drives revenue growth and strengthens the company's market presence. The President monitors competitive dynamics to adjust business strategies and maintain a strong industry position. Ultimately, Muthamia secures the company's future by building a robust pipeline of opportunities and ensuring that the organization continues to deliver exceptional value to school districts and students alike.

    Sean McCormack - Chief Information Officer

    Sean McCormack, the Chief Information Officer at First Student, architects the digital infrastructure and technology roadmap for the organization. McCormack directs the deployment of advanced fleet management systems and data analytics tools that enhance operational visibility across North America. By integrating modern software solutions into daily transportation workflows, the Chief Information Officer drives improvements in routing accuracy and communication. Sean McCormack oversees cybersecurity initiatives to protect sensitive data and ensure the integrity of the company's digital assets. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to leverage technology for competitive advantage and service optimization. Through the implementation of scalable IT systems, McCormack supports the company's mission of safe and efficient student transit. The Chief Information Officer manages the technical teams responsible for maintaining robust connectivity across all regional operations. Ultimately, McCormack secures the technological foundation necessary for the company to thrive in a data-driven industry.

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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 6 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.