The third largest school bus contractor in North America tapped a former leader of Laidlaw Transit and FirstGroup plc as the company's new chief operating officer.

Patrick Vaughn was introduced today to lead customer service and operations for the school bus division at Student Transportation Inc. Vaughn previously worked with Denis J. Gallagher, STI's chairman and chief executive officer, at Laidlaw Transit in the 1990s as director of operations and senior vice president of operations. Vaughn led one of two operating units at Laidlaw that included 250 locations spanning from Maine to Florida and Pennsylvania to Texas and that consisted of and $700 million in revenue.

Vaughn served as chief operating officer at FirstGroup in 2007 and 2008 after the company acquired Laidlaw. He has a total of 19 years of experience in the transportation industry

"I am extremely excited to have Patrick join the STI management team, where we will benefit immensely from his experience, proven record of success and passion for the pupil transportation industry," said Gallagher. "Patrick's leadership will help ensure we harness the potential of our greatest assets, our employees and to realize the growth opportunities before us."

"STI offers limitless opportunities for employees, customers, shareholders and the local communities they serve," added Vaughan. "It is a very exciting place in which to contribute and work with the best in the industry."