Kelli Austin
Westville,IN
Summary
Consistent Director of Transportation possessing thorough knowledge of federal, state and county laws and policies concerning school transportation operations, maintenance and safety. Detailed and energetic professional offering five years of hands-on experience making day-to-day decisions relative to provision of school bus, contract and activity bus transportation. Proficient in Versatrans and Traversa coupled with superb written and verbal communication skills. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Transportation
Portage Township Schools
08.2012 - 11.2023
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to improve employee performance in their roles.
- Coordinated driver dispatch to accomplish daily requirements.
- Promoted brand at industry events and through ongoing networking efforts.
- Led initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact by incorporating sustainable practices into department's daily operations.
- Effectively handled a high volume of 200+ calls daily with a focus on providing friendly, efficient, and courteous assistance.
- Secured and arranged insurance coverage for transportation vehicles.
- Developed and implemented initial and refresher safety training programs for department employees with focus on OSHA requirements.
- Investigated and reported accidents involving transportation vehicles and coordinated accident claims with law enforcement and public transportation bureaus.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring smooth coordination of transportation activities.
- Instituted school bus purchasing program to enhance and improve annual budgeting process while retiring and selling older buses for additional revenue.
- Planned, scheduled, and assigned driver routes and workloads.
- Reviewed regulatory compliance measures regularly, updating policies as needed to remain aligned with industry best practices.
- Created and enforced detailed organization processes to increase quality and service standards.
- Leveraged data analysis tools for informed decision-making regarding route planning, resource allocation, and process improvements.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging innovation and creative problem-solving techniques.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams for continuous successful execution of large-scale transportation projects.
- Collaborated with manufacturing and supply chain management.
- Enhanced satisfaction through timely communication and proactive issue resolution.
- Optimized fleet management by regularly reviewing vehicle maintenance schedules and implementing cost-effective solutions when necessary.
- Streamlined transportation operations by implementing efficient routing and scheduling systems.
- Provided recommendations to superintendent regarding changing school schedules and school cancellations due to weather conditions.
- Implemented safety protocols to minimize accidents and maintain safety in the working environment for employees.
- Created and managed budget for transportation department to cover expenses related to equipment, maintenance, personnel and vehicles.
- Hired and promoted personnel within transportation department to maintain adequate coverage and top talent.
- Developed and maintained knowledgeable and productive team of employees.
- Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
- Liaised with bus maintenance staff to prepare for annual state inspections.
- Led and oversaw multifaceted team comprising drivers, dispatchers, and support personnel, ensuring successful attainment of departmental objectives through efficient coordination and collaboration.
- Coordinated with principals and bus supervisors to achieve safe loading and unloading zones for school buses and safe vehicular and pedestrian traffic movement.
- Championed technology integrations that improved operational efficiency across various aspects of department's functions.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Organized and detail-oriented with strong work ethic.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by continuously motivating and inspiring others.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proved successful working within deadlines and fast-paced environment.
- Strengthened communication skills through thoughtful and purposeful interactions with others.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through timely communication and proactive issue resolution.
Office Manager
Didier M&P Engineering, Inc.
07.2001 - 12.2011
- Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants including staff and stakeholders from overseas operations.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
- Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
- Reduced costs with meticulous budget monitoring and expense tracking for essential supplies and equipment.
- Oversaw facility maintenance requests, coordinating with building management to address repairs or improvements efficiently.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained computer and physical filing systems.
- Managed compliance to keep organization operating within legal and regulatory guidelines.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
Education
Associate Of Applied Business - Accounting
Sawyer Business College
Hammond, IN01.2001
Skills
- Shipping and receiving
- Incident Reporting
- Customer Relationship Management
- Emergency Operating Procedures
- Customer Service
- Goods Movement Planning
- Web-based Logistics Information Systems
- International Freight Management
- Management Development
- Critical Thinking
- Inventory Management Software
- Safety standards
- Client Base Retention
- Team Collaboration
- Logistics Planning
- Calendar and Scheduling Software
- Mentoring and training
- Operational Oversight
- Schedule Management
- Incoming Shipments Review
- Quality Control
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Project Management
- Order Management
- Standards Documentation
- Continuous Improvement
- Safety regulations implementation
- Product Transportation
- Cost control and tracking
- Budget Administration
- Logistics Management
- Freight Handling
- Driver hiring
- Inventory Reconciliation
- Data Entry
- Vehicle Cleaning and Maintenance
- Distribution and Warehousing
- Warehouse Management
- Relationship Building
- Daily Operations Management
- Fleet Dispatch
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Domestic Freight Management
- Corporate Logistics
- Warehouse Organization
- Client Needs Assessment
- Fleet Management
- Fleet Inspections
- Equipment Inspection
- Company Inventory Oversight
- Freight Management
- Billing Systems
- Safety Management
- Loading and unloading
- Shipping Activity Oversight
- Service Coordination
- Maintenance and Repair Orders
- Distribution Coordination
- Operations Control
- Logistics Integrations
- Workload Management
- Data Interpretation
- Transportation operations
- Transportation management systems
- Warehouse Inspections
- Continuous Improvement Projects
- Skilled in Traversa and Versatrans
- Interdepartmental Collaboration
- Route Navigation Software
- Transportation Technology
- Improvements Recommendations
- Theft Alarm Monitoring
- Material Shelving
- Warehouse Safety
- Staff Supervision
- Business Workflows
Timeline
Director of Transportation
Portage Township Schools
08.2012 - 11.2023
Office Manager
Didier M&P Engineering, Inc.
07.2001 - 12.2011
Associate Of Applied Business - Accounting
Sawyer Business College
Similar Profiles
Timothy CollinsTimothy Collins
School Bus Driver at Portage Township SchoolsSchool Bus Driver at Portage Township Schools
James AsburyJames Asbury
Teacher at Portage Township SchoolsTeacher at Portage Township Schools
Patricia KrauskopfPatricia Krauskopf
Instructional Assistant at Portage Township SchoolsInstructional Assistant at Portage Township Schools