Leading the Way: A Spotlight on Leaders and Achievements

In July, we held Dean’s annual leadership conference at our headquarters in Lansing to equip, educate and develop the leaders of our operations across the state as they prepare for the next academic year. Another important piece of the event is the opportunity to recognize offices and leaders who have gone above and beyond.

President’s Award

The President’s Award was established to recognize a Dean team member who lives the mission and values of Dean and has improved the lives of others and the community. This year we were proud to recognize Lisa Downey and the professionalism, integrity, respect and empathy she demonstrates in her role at Dean.

Downey joined Dean Transportation in 2009 as a driver, becoming supervisor of the Clare-Gladwin RESD office in 2012, where she is responsible for overseeing special education transportation throughout Clare and Gladwin Counties. In her role over the past 13 years, Downey has built relationships with her staff, students and district leaders to ensure students are at the center of transportation services.

“I was thrilled to see Lisa receive that award,” said Onilee Waterman, North Regional Operations Manager. “It’s a well-deserved recognition of her dedication to Dean’s mission. She consistently advocates for both the students we transport and the staff who support them. Year after year, Lisa has gone above and beyond, assisting multiple locations across regions whenever staffing support was needed. She is a real team player.”

Past recipients:

• Nicole Soule’ (2024)
• Bonnie Levitski (2023)
• Bruce Grant (2022)

2025 Supervisors of the Year

This year, we had two recipients for our Supervisor of the Year award — Trish Tester and Matt Speer. This award recognizes Dean Transportation supervisors who live the mission and values of Dean. These individuals have exceeded their responsibilities as transportation leaders and improved their operations to benefit their colleagues and community.

Trish Tester joined Dean Management Services in 2018, leading the Shiawassee RESD office. In her role, Tester oversees special education operations throughout Shiawassee County, managing district staff and providing strategic direction to the superintendent. Tester also provides guidance and leadership to transportation managers in Durand and Laingsburg school districts. Her steady leadership, knowledge of transportation issues and thoughtful approach to driver support are recognized and appreciated.

Lee Helmer, Statewide Operations Manager, praised her, saying, “Trish always puts the best interests of the students first while being safety conscious. She has proven to be a leader who understands the importance of transportation safety.”

Matt Speer joined Dean Transportation in 2010, driving at Dean’s Albion office. His leadership qualities were quickly identified, and Speer was promoted to lead Dean’s Calhoun ISD Operation in 2014. Throughout his time as a Dean leader, he has established strong relationships with staff, district and community partners.

“Matt does an outstanding job building district relationships,” said Dianne DeLong, Central Regional Operations Manager.

Speer led the move of Dean’s office in the county several times, including adding Mar Lee School District and Olivet Community Schools to Calhoun ISD operations. He consistently works to improve his operation and collaborate with other Dean locations throughout the region.

Past recipients:

• Lisa Voss (2024)
• Nicole Surprenant (2024)
• Brian Rochowiak (2023)
• Shirley Broge (2022)
• Joey Brown (2021)
• Toni Thomas (2021)
• Linda Dixon (2019)
• Art Czachowski (2017)
• Sherrie Rockey (2016)

Learning, Crash Prevention and Idle Time Reduction Leaders

The following offices were recognized for their leadership in learning, crash prevention and idle time reduction over the 2024-2025 school year.

Learning

• Marion
• Lakeview
• Johns
• Cadillac
• Kalamazoo

Crash Prevention

• Alpena
• Grand Blanc
• Cedar Springs
• North Branch
• Lakeville

Idle Reduction (Lowest Percentage)

• Lakeview
• Colon
• Eaton Rapids
• Alpena
• Walled Lake

Idle Reduction (Most Improved)

• Mar Lee
• Eastpointe
• Manistee
• Potterville
• Lake City
• Timberland
• Marion

We are incredibly proud of our team and the work they are doing across Michigan to serve our communities with caring, reliable and efficient transportation! Congratulations once again to our award recipients and thank you for your dedication, service and leadership!