David Kinley of Student Transportation of America Receives National Golden Merit Award

WALL, N.J., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Student Transportation of America (STA), an industry leader in student transportation, safety, and fleet services, is pleased to announce that David Kinley, Vice President of Operations for New York State, has been named a recipient of the Golden Merit Award for his outstanding contributions to transportation safety, industry leadership and operational excellence. The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) formally recognized Kinley earlier last evening, July 22, at the NSTA Awards & Installation Dinner held in Boston, MA.

"Dave Kinley's deep commitment to the student transportation industry is undeniable," said Gregg Stinson, Executive Vice President, Eastern Business Group at Student Transportation of America. "His technical expertise, professionalism, and focus on team development, have made a lasting impact across New York State and within our organization. We're proud to see him honored with the NSTA Golden Merit Award, a well-deserved recognition of his incredible contributions."

The Golden Merit Award is one of NSTA's highest honors, recognizing individuals who exemplify excellence in service, safety, and community responsibility within the school transportation industry. Established in 1969, the award was created to celebrate those whose leadership, decision-making, and innovation have made a lasting impact.

Kinley, who holds more than four decades of experience in student transportation, originally began his career as a management trainee with the National School Bus Service, Inc. He then rose through the ranks at several transportation contractors before joining STA in 2019. Currently, Kinley serves as Vice President of Operations for New York State, providing guidance to seven Area General Managers and overseeing 35 locations across the state. Through this role, he drives strategic initiatives that improve safety while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation throughout the organization.

Beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, Kinley has helped lead numerous acquisitions, seamlessly integrating new personnel and operations into the STA family with a focus on collaboration and consistency. Kinley is widely known for his thoughtful, people-first leadership style. He holds several advanced credentials, including New York State SBDI School Bus Instructor, 19-A Certified Examiner, and Physical Performance Instructor. He is a respected trainer who has led company seminars, supported employee development, and upheld the highest safety standards throughout his career.

"It's an honor to be recognized by the NSTA," said David Kinley, Vice President of Operations for New York State. "Throughout my career, I've focused on safety, service, and supporting the people who make this work possible. I'm proud to be part of a company that truly values its team and the communities we serve."

About Student Transportation of America
Student Transportation of America (STA), an industry leader in school transportation and fleet services, was founded in 1997 on the bedrock of family, community, and a safety-first mindset. Operating more than 22,000 vehicles, STA provides customers with the highest level of safe and reliable student transportation, management, logistics, and technology solutions throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company is focused on fostering a safety-driven culture that empowers its employees to feel proud of their work, delivering safe, reliable, and on-time service. Additionally, STA's commitment to positively impacting the health of our passengers and the planet is evident through its conscious decision to undertake each initiative to decrease its carbon footprint to help move the company and industry toward a greener future. For more information, please visit www.rideSTA.com. 

SOURCE Student Transportation of America