Nicole Sommer
Olivebridge,NY
Summary
Proven leader in transportation management, adept at route planning and team leadership, significantly enhanced operational efficiency at Onteora Central School District. Skilled in fostering customer service excellence and resolving complex problems with adaptability. Demonstrates critical thinking and decision-making prowess, ensuring safety and reliability in school transportation services.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Director of Transportation
Onteora Central School District
07.2012 - Current
- Created and managed budget for transportation department to cover expenses related to equipment, maintenance, personnel and vehicles.
- Championed technology integrations that improved operational efficiency across various aspects of the department''s functions.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to improve employee performance in their roles.
- Planned, scheduled, and assigned driver routes and workloads.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through timely communication and proactive issue resolution.
- Managed a diverse team of drivers, dispatchers, and support staff to efficiently achieve departmental goals.
- Secured and arranged insurance coverage for transportation vehicles.
- Liaised with bus maintenance staff to prepare for annual state bus inspections.
- Provided recommendations to superintendent regarding changing school schedules and school cancellations due to weather conditions.
- Investigated and reported accidents involving transportation vehicles and coordinated accident claims with law enforcement and public transportation bureaus.
- Successfully managed complex transportation budgets, identifying opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or efficiency standards.
- Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
- Developed and maintained knowledgeable and productive team of employees.
School Bus Dispatcher
Onteora Central School District
12.2007 - 06.2012
- Managed high-stress situations calmly and effectively, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.
- Communicated with drivers and personnel to coordinate timely delivery of Students
- Directed dispatching, routing, and tracking of fleet vehicles.
- Managed conflict resolutions with customers, drivers and other personnel to encourage professional relationships and promote respect.
- Promoted teamwork among colleagues by proactively assisting others when needed.
- Trained and provided guidance to new team members to apply best practices and comply with protocols and regulations.
- Reduced errors in dispatch logs by implementing a thorough double-check system for all entries.
- Managed high-stress situations to ensure caller calmness, using effective communication and problem-solving skills.
- Fostered strong relationships with law enforcement and emergency services, improving inter-agency collaboration.
- Adapted quickly to changing situations, ensuring uninterrupted dispatch operations during emergencies.
- Answered phone calls and responded to customer emails.
- Assisted in resolving customer complaints and grievances.
- Coordinated schedules for optimal coverage of daily workload and adjusted quickly to changing demands.
- Tracked and monitored vehicle performance and maintenance.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration
SUNY Ulster
Stone Ridge, NY05.1991
Skills
- Route Planning
- Fleet Management
- Transportation operations
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Critical Thinking
- Organizational Skills
- Team Leadership
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Decision-Making
Affiliations
- National Association for Pupil Transportation
- New York Association for Pupil Transportation
- Mid-Hudson Transportation Supervisors Association
Certification
Certified School Bus Driver Instructor with New York State Department of Education
Certified 19A Examiner with the New York State DMV
Timeline
Director of Transportation
Onteora Central School District
07.2012 - Current
School Bus Dispatcher
Onteora Central School District
12.2007 - 06.2012
Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration
SUNY Ulster
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