William A. Preston Sr.
Tonawanda,NY
Summary
Assistant Manager with extensive expertise in team leadership and project management. Proven ability to enhance operational efficiency and boost productivity while ensuring exceptional customer service. Demonstrated success in leading diverse teams and managing multiple priorities effectively. Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills contribute to overall business success.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Manager of Transportation Services
NFTA
Buffalo, NY
08.2021 - 11.2025
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and company policies to mitigate risks.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to identify improvement opportunities for employees.
- Supervised daily operations by scheduling shifts and assigning duties efficiently.
- Managed customer service inquiries and complaints, ensuring timely resolutions.
- Organized team activities to foster camaraderie and maintain positive workplace culture.
- Held one-on-one meetings to review employee performance and set priorities.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements effectively.
- Developed operational strategies collaboratively to optimize efficiency across departments.
- Organized transportation for clients who lacked access to public transportation or private vehicles.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws governing public transportation operations in the region.
- Researched neighborhoods for potential development sites based on criteria such as access to public transportation, nearby schools, shopping centers.
- Participated in meetings with external partners such as local law enforcement agencies or public transit authorities regarding shared goals relating to public transportation options around campus.
- Complied with all state and federal regulations related to transportation services.
- Adhered to all state laws regarding public transportation services and rules of conduct when interacting with passengers.
- Ensured safety of clients by providing supervision during recreational activities or while using public transportation systems.
- Planned trips for students or community members utilizing public transportation systems.
- Participated in conference calls and webinars concerning current public policy topics.
- Coordinated logistics related to transportation, housing, food distribution and other emergency services.
- Kept up-to-date on industry trends by reading trade publications.
Transportation Supervisor
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
Buffalo, NY
09.2020 - 08.2021
- Oversaw daily department operations, including payroll management and employee development.
- Maintained accurate reports and verified company documentation with sound judgment.
- Provided assistance to Instruction and Maintenance Departments as required.
- Supported Payroll Department by developing new coding and worksheets.
- Facilitated labor relations to ensure effective communication and resolution of issues.
Transportation Supervisor (Floater)
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
Kenmore, NY
08.2017 - 12.2019
- Supported Transportation Supervisors in daily departmental operations.
- Maintained accurate reports and verified company documentation.
- Exercised sound judgment across all assigned duties.
- Facilitated effective labor relations to enhance team collaboration.
Transportation Supervisor of Special Services
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
Kenmore, NY
08.2014 - 12.2016
- Oversaw daily department operations, including payroll and commendation/discipline processes for operators.
- Assisted Deputy Director and department heads with special assignments as needed.
- Managed training programs for new employees to ensure effective onboarding.
- Revised PAL instructor guidelines to comply with current ADA regulations and conditions.
- Developed comprehensive instruction manual for departmental procedures.
- Supported implementation of direct scheduling systems to enhance efficiency.
- Maintained reports and verified company documentation while exercising sound judgment.
- Handled labor relations to facilitate positive workplace interactions.
Transportation Clerk
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
Kenmore, NY
07.2009 - 08.2014
- Streamlined operational workflows in collaboration with team members to enhance efficiency.
- Tracked vehicle movements, operator attendance, and route schedules using transit management software.
- Ensured adherence to company policies and procedures regarding transportation operations.
- Produced daily schedules and tickets for passengers efficiently.
Train Operator/Instructor
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
Buffalo, NY
07.1994 - 07.2009
Bus Operator
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
Buffalo, NY
01.1991 - 08.2005
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Radiology
U. S. Army
Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TexasSkills
- Regulatory compliance
- Performance management
- Employee training
- Customer service
- Operational strategy
- Payroll administration
- Team building
- Data reporting
- Scheduling management
- Performance appraisal
- Operations management
- Multitasking
- Time management
- Strategic thinking
- Collaboration
- Reliability
Affiliations
• Certified Basketball Referee (IAABO)
• Youth Basketball Coach
• Youth Flag-Football Coach
• F.A.T.H.E.R.S. Group Coordinator for WNY Holiday Partnership's Annual Toy for Tots
• Youth Basketball Coach
• Youth Flag-Football Coach
• F.A.T.H.E.R.S. Group Coordinator for WNY Holiday Partnership's Annual Toy for Tots
Accomplishments
- Active league bowler voted comeback player of the year (2024)
- 2020 NFTA Black Achiever of the Year
- 2018 Inner City Basketball Coach of the Year
- 2017 Camp Counselor of the Year - Butler - Mitchell Association
Certification
- Paratransit Management & Operations Certificate - 2025 Rutgers University
- Violence in the Transit Workplace Train the Trainer Certificate - 2025 Rutgers University
- Assault Awareness and Prevention - Train the Trainer Certificate - 2025 Rutgers University
- Drug and Alcohol Training for Reasonable Suspicion Certificate- 2024 NFTA
- Emergency Management Access and Functional Needs Certificate - 2023 Niagara University
- New York State 19 A Certified Examiner - 2023
- FEMA Introduction to Incident Command System Certificate - 2019
Professional Affiliations
- Co-Director - City Kids Summer Camp
- Board Member - Western New York Holiday Partnership
- Acting Secretary and Toy Coordinator - The Buffalo F.A.T.H.E.R.S. Group
- Board Member - Youth Advantage
- Certified Basketball Referee (IAABO)
- Former Board Member of Pinnacle Charter School
· Former President of the Family Council Pinnacle Charter School
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant Manager of Transportation Services
NFTA
08.2021 - 11.2025
Transportation Supervisor
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
09.2020 - 08.2021
Transportation Supervisor (Floater)
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
08.2017 - 12.2019
Transportation Supervisor of Special Services
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
08.2014 - 12.2016
Transportation Clerk
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
07.2009 - 08.2014
Train Operator/Instructor
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
07.1994 - 07.2009
Bus Operator
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (Metro)
01.1991 - 08.2005
Associate of Applied Science - Radiology
U. S. Army