ANIELI LOPEZ
Bethel,CT
Summary
Highly detail-oriented, safety-focused transportation leader with 7+ years in management, 11+ years of CDL experience, and over 20 years in training and operations. Proven track record of overseeing large-scale transportation programs, ensuring full regulatory compliance, and leading teams ranging from 80 to 700 staff. Recognized for strengthening safety culture, optimizing operations, and building strong partnerships with districts, staff, and parents.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
First Student
01.2024 - 06.2025
- Oversaw daily school transportation operations, including routing, dispatch, fleet readiness, and staff supervision for an 80-employee location.
- Ensured full compliance with NYS DOT, DOE, 19-A, and FMCSA regulations.
- Served as primary liaison to district officials, managing service quality, contract adherence, and communications.
- Led accident investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective action planning to strengthen safety culture.
- Managed recruitment, onboarding, and performance for drivers, monitors, and support staff.
- Tracked operational budgets, staffing efficiency, and KPI reporting to improve cost control.
Sr. Location Safety Manager
First Student
01.2016 - 01.2024
- Supported safety, training, and compliance operations for 500+ drivers and 200 monitors across multiple locations.
- Oversaw Drug & Alcohol Testing Program compliance and maintained all required documentation.
- Delivered training as a certified Trainer/Mentor; enforced Smith System '5 Keys' safe-driving principles.
- Led three successful location startups, managing onboarding, compliance setup, and staff training.
- Conducted interviews and maintained 19-A and DOE compliance files for all safety-sensitive positions.
- Strengthened safety culture through proactive coaching, performance management, and field observations.
Skills
- Operations and fleet management
- Safety and regulatory compliance (FMCSA, NYS DOT, 19-A, DOE)
- Budget management
- Drug and alcohol program compliance
- Training and staff development
- Accident/incident investigation, & corrective action
- Routing, dispatch, & daily operations
- Recruiting/Onboarding/Retention
- Risk assessment & mitigation strategies
- Audit readiness & documentation control
- Staff supervision, coaching, & performance management
- Customer, district & parent relations
Certification
- NYS School Bus Driver Instructor, 2018
- 19-A Certified Examiner - NYS DMV, 2019
- Class B CDL - Passenger & School Bus Endorsements
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Spanish, Fluent
Timeline
Operations Manager
First Student
01.2024 - 06.2025
Sr. Location Safety Manager
First Student
01.2016 - 01.2024