Alabama State Director Joe Lightsey retired from the Alabama State Department of Education at the beginning of the month, but he told STN that his 40-year career in student transportation is merely continuing in the private sector.
School bus dealer Transportation South in Pelham, Alabama named Lightsey its new school bus market development manager to work alongside the company’s sales team. He will help to identify new opportunities in the state and to strengthen existing relationships.
Joe Lightsey“Joe brings a wealth of knowledge from his tenure at the Alabama State Department of Education, and we’re proud to have him,” said Bucky Law, president of Transportation South. “And as you know, Joe has never met a stranger — probably has more friends than anyone I know!”
Lightsey replaces Harry Hosey, who Law said is moving to Georgia to run The Bus Center – Atlanta as general manager.
Meanwhile, Lightsey told STN he would miss his position with the state as well as the people he worked with. Still, he remains fully ensconced in student transportation.
“I can truthfully say that my greatest career fulfillment and happiness came from my time in pupil transportation,” he added. “I am deeply appreciative for the support I received over the years and thankful for the many friends I made. I know that Alabama’s rich tradition of transporting students safely will continue under, the new program coordinator, Kevin Snowden and his committed staff.”
Snowden, as was recently reported, took over as state director last week.
