Rona Sable Weber, who served as a federal student transportation lobbyist in Washington, D.C., for 12 years, will return to the National School Transportation Association later this month as the organization's new executive director.
Weber replaces David Hobson, who resigned in March after a year in the position, and starts her new position on June 26. She becomes only the second NSTA executive director in eight years since Jeff Kulick resigned in 2004.
Weber was a senior associate with D.C. lobbying firm Prime Policy Group and its predecessor, BKSH & Associates, from 1996 until 2008. In addition to NSTA, she represented the interests of the state of Indiana, the United Motorcoach Association and Cummins, Inc. on Capitol Hill. In 2008, she left Prime Policy to join Alsom Power Inc., as the transportation infrastructure and power generation company's U.S. export control officer.
Weber was also an aide to former Sens. Bob Dole and John Warner.
After Hobson resigned earlier this year, NSTA President Magda Dimmendaal handled all NSTA Board-related issues while a search for a replacement took place.
“We are excited that Ronna has accepted the position,” said Dimmendaal, who is also CEO of Wisconsin school bus contractor Dousman Transport. “Her previous experience with NSTA will serve her well, and we look forward to working with her.”