First Student Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to student safety and reliable transportation, First Student focuses on delivering exceptional service through strategic partnerships and operational excellence across North America.

Leadership Roles at First Student

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Kenning
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Paul Osland
  • 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
  • John Kenning - Chief Executive Officer

    John Kenning, the Chief Executive Officer at First Student, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the company's extensive transportation solutions across North America. Kenning's leadership ensures alignment with the core mission of providing safe and reliable student transportation, overseeing critical functions that support district contracts and service delivery. This executive role involves driving business development initiatives and fostering key relationships with stakeholders, including school districts and regulatory bodies. By focusing on operational efficiency and service quality, John Kenning guides the organization toward sustained growth and market leadership. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses all aspects of the business, ensuring that First Student maintains its position as a premier transportation provider.
    John Kenning

    Paul Osland - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Paul Osland, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Student, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational execution, guiding its mission to provide safe and reliable student transportation. Osland's executive responsibilities encompass driving innovation in service delivery and ensuring robust operational performance across all North American markets. This leadership position involves cultivating strong relationships with school districts and managing the company's extensive fleet and driver network. By focusing on safety protocols and service excellence, Paul Osland ensures that First Student consistently meets and exceeds the expectations of its partners. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role is pivotal in shaping the company's future growth and its commitment to student well-being.
    Paul Osland

    Joseph Schwaderer - Chief Financial Officer

    Joseph Schwaderer, the Chief Financial Officer at First Student, oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for the company's extensive North American transportation services. Schwaderer's leadership ensures fiscal responsibility and strategic financial management, supporting the company's growth objectives and operational stability. This executive role involves managing capital allocation, optimizing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. By providing critical financial insights, Joseph Schwaderer guides strategic decision-making and resource management. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is essential for maintaining the financial health and long-term viability of First Student's operations.

    Dean Suhre - Chief Operating Officer

    Dean Suhre, the Chief Operating Officer at First Student, directs the day-to-day operational execution and service delivery across the company's vast network in North America. Suhre's responsibilities include optimizing fleet performance, managing driver recruitment and training programs, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability for student transportation. This executive role involves overseeing regional operations, implementing best practices, and driving efficiency improvements to support school district contracts. By focusing on operational excellence, Dean Suhre ensures that First Student consistently provides dependable transportation solutions. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic oversight is fundamental to maintaining service quality and achieving operational objectives.
    Dean Suhre

    RV.Andrew Muthamia - President

    RV.Andrew Muthamia, the President at First Student, directs significant operational segments and strategic initiatives within the company's North American transportation network. Muthamia's leadership focuses on enhancing service quality, driving operational efficiencies, and ensuring the safety and reliability of student transportation services. This executive role involves overseeing key business units, fostering strong relationships with school districts, and implementing best practices across diverse operational regions. By concentrating on performance metrics and customer satisfaction, RV.Andrew Muthamia ensures that First Student consistently meets its contractual obligations and upholds its reputation for excellence. The President's strategic oversight is vital for the continued success and expansion of the company's services.

    Francis Lalonde - President, Canadian Operations

    Francis Lalonde, the President, Canadian Operations at First Student, leads and directs all aspects of the company's transportation services throughout Canada. Lalonde's executive responsibilities encompass ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of student transportation, managing a substantial fleet and driver workforce across various Canadian provinces. This role involves developing and executing strategic plans tailored to the Canadian market, fostering strong partnerships with Canadian school districts, and ensuring compliance with all local regulations. By focusing on operational excellence and stakeholder engagement, Francis Lalonde drives the success of First Student's Canadian division. The President, Canadian Operations' leadership is crucial for maintaining service integrity and expanding market presence.
    Francis Lalonde

    Sean McCormack - Chief Information Officer

    Sean McCormack, the Chief Information Officer at First Student, architects and directs the company's comprehensive information technology strategy, ensuring robust digital infrastructure and cybersecurity measures. McCormack's leadership focuses on leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency, improve service delivery to school districts, and support the company's expansive North American operations. This role involves overseeing the development and implementation of innovative IT solutions that streamline fleet management, driver communications, and data analytics. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Sean McCormack ensures that First Student maintains a competitive technological edge. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision is critical for optimizing business processes and safeguarding sensitive data across the organization.

    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's role focuses on driving innovation in sustainable transportation solutions, particularly concerning electric school buses and charging infrastructure across North America. This executive position involves evaluating emerging technologies, developing roadmaps for electrification, and ensuring seamless integration with existing operational systems. By championing green technology, Sushant Patney contributes to First Student's commitment to environmental responsibility and operational modernization. The Chief Technology Officer's vision is critical for shaping the future of sustainable student transportation.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding First Student Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads First Student?
    First Student is led by John Kenning (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Paul Osland (President & Chief Executive Officer) 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 John Kenning (Chief Executive Officer), Paul Osland (President & Chief Executive Officer), 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 Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.