National Safety Council members last month elected Michael Murray, president and CEO of FirstGroup America, as a new board member.

“I am honored to help the National Safety Council further their goal to be the premier educators and advocates for safety,” said Murray. “This is a great opportunity to share ideas and develop strategic practices with others who have a passion for safety.”

NSC was instrumental in drafting a current proposal in Congress to address distracted driving, a major initiative of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The feds want legislation tied to the surface transportation reauthorization that especially targets school bus drivers to prohibit any use of cell phones for conversations or texting except in an emergency. FirstGroup America operates First Student, the nation's largest school bus contractor company.

FirstGroup America said in a statement that Murray will help guide NSC's overall strategy and will serve as a trustee assisting with the organization's development and fundraising activities. At FirstGroup, Murray directs the company's support of the Children's Miracle Network as well as local charities near corporate headquarters in Cincinnati.