Executive Team
Jim Switzer is Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Switzer-CARTY Transportation. He has spent more than 35 years in the school bus transportation industry.
Jim began his career with Babcock Bus Lines, a family-owned business in Niagara that won national recognition for service delivery. When Babcock Bus Lines was sold to Laidlaw in 1999, Jim’s energy, enthusiasm and focus on customer service and employee satisfaction earned him numerous promotions within Laidlaw. He became Vice President of Operations within one year and was ultimately named Senior Vice President of the Canadian Region overseeing all operations across Canada for Laidlaw. Laidlaw was acquired by First Group PLC in 2007, and Jim was appointed President of First Student Canada, responsible for all Canadian school bus operations with a fleet of over 12,000 buses.
Throughout his career, Jim has taken an active role in industry affairs and associations including the Ontario School Bus Association where he acted as both a Director (1997–2002) and as President (1999–2001).
Jim has built a reputation for treating people fairly, with dignity and respect. His unique approach to leadership with his people and delivering a high-quality service to customers has generated success over his career spanning more than 30 years. As Executive Chairman and Co-founder of Switzer-Carty Transportation Inc., Jim continues to provide leadership aligned with his founding vision.
Doug Carty is Co-founder of Switzer-CARTY Transportation. He has worked in the transportation industry since 1990, when he joined the finance organization at Canadian Airlines and ultimately became its Chief Financial Officer.
As CFO, Doug was intimately involved in all aspects of strategy and finance and was a key part of the sale of Canadian Airlines to Air Canada. Doug went on to be CFO for Atlas Air, an all-cargo airline.
In 2003, Doug joined Laidlaw International as CFO as it emerged from a difficult two-year financial re-organization. During that time, Laidlaw International undertook significant transactions including the sale of its health care investments, material improvements in its Greyhound subsidiary operating results, a listing on the New York Stock Exchange and shareholder-friendly returns on capital.
In 2006, Doug was appointed President and CEO of Laidlaw’s school bus operations in North America which had 40,000 buses, 45,000 employees, and contracts in 38 states and six provinces.
Dan Maradin is President and Chief Executive Officer of Switzer-CARTY Transportation. He has more than 30 years of experience in the school bus transportation industry.
He started out with Laidlaw in the Management in Development program and held progressive roles at Laidlaw, including Operations Manager, Branch Manager and a regional General Manager. Prior to assuming his current leadership role, Dan served as Chief Operating Officer. Dan’s operational experience stems from performing and knowing the grassroots functions and understanding the impact of these on customers and employees.
Dan takes pride in being process-driven with a high level of customer satisfaction. In 2007, Dan blended his operational experience with technology innovation to lead the effort at Laidlaw in implementing on-board technology to support a new branch operation platform. This new approach to school bus operations leverages technology, such as GPS, to enhance the customer service experience and create efficient operations.
As a recognized leader in school bus technology, Dan brings a unique perspective on leveraging technology for the benefit of Switzer-CARTY and ultimately for the consortium and our passengers.
Kate Clutterbuck is Chief Financial Officer at Switzer-CARTY Transportation. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA).
Prior to joining Switzer-CARTY, Kate developed expertise in the transportation industry while working as the Director of Finance, and previously the Director of Financial Planning, at Porter Airlines.
Kate began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Vancouver focusing her skills in the areas of Assurance and Business Advisory Services, as well as Corporate Finance and Investment Banking. She held analyst and management roles at BC Hydro and Power Authority as part of the Financial Reporting and Planning group, where she was primarily engaged with forecasting and budgeting.
In addition to strong leadership skills, Kate brings her attention to detail and thorough knowledge of financial management to the role of CFO. Kate oversees Switzer-CARTY’s accounting practices, internal controls, reporting and financial planning and analysis. At Switzer-CARTY, she acts as a strategic advisor in banking relationships and capital structure planning and implementation.
Nick McRae is Chief Operating Officer for Canada at Switzer-CARTY Transportation. He continues a family tradition of school bus transportation spanning three generations.
After leading Roxborough Transportation, which was acquired by Switzer-CARTY Transportation in 2023, Nick brings operational leadership expertise developed in the Ottawa market. His experience extends beyond school bus services to include the coach bus and transit sectors.
Nick is curious and forward-thinking, highly engaged with staff, partners and stakeholders, and actively involved in professional and charitable causes related to children, education and health.
Nick brings the same values and dedication to exceptional service that Switzer-CARTY Transportation customers have come to expect.
David Armitt is Chief Operating Officer for the U.S. at Switzer-CARTY Transportation. He brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in student transportation.
Throughout his career, David has directed operations across 170 locations in 20 states, developing extensive expertise in operational oversight, safety, fleet maintenance, employee engagement and client relations.
His experience leading large-scale pupil transportation operations, combined with his commitment to treating people with dignity and respect, makes him well suited to guide Switzer-CARTY’s U.S. operations.
David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Rutgers University and brings a strong commitment to providing safe, reliable and high-quality transportation service.
Rich Bagdonas is Vice President of Business Development for Canada at Switzer-CARTY Transportation.
Rich has 25 years of experience in student transportation and transit systems. He has held progressively senior roles in operations, human resources and business development. He draws on extensive experience gained at Laidlaw and First Student and now brings that expertise to the Switzer-CARTY Executive Team.
Prior to joining Switzer-CARTY, Rich was Senior Director of Operations and Organizational Development for First Transit, overseeing the Canadian region, with a particular focus on Western Canada.
His transportation industry experience, combined with his work in the public sector at a school board, makes him uniquely qualified for his role at Switzer-CARTY.
Reid Oyster is Vice President of Business Development for the U.S. at Switzer-CARTY Transportation.
Reid has 20 years of experience in the student transportation industry, with a strong background in family-founded school bus operations. Prior to joining Switzer-CARTY, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at Apple Bus Company.
During his time with Apple Bus Company, Reid helped guide the organization’s growth from 300 to 2,000 vehicles operating across nine states while maintaining its commitment to locally focused student transportation.
At Switzer-CARTY, Reid leads strategic growth and business development in the United States, bringing extensive industry knowledge and a people-focused approach aligned with the company’s foundational values.
Regional Management Team
John Giannone, Director of Maintenance – Canada
John Giannone is Director of Maintenance for Canada at Switzer-CARTY Transportation. He has more than 40 years of experience in student transportation, leading maintenance teams for large fleet operators including Laidlaw, First Student and Stock Transportation.
John has also served on the D250 industry standards committee for many years. His extensive knowledge of fleet maintenance and leadership experience are widely respected throughout the Canadian school bus industry.
Vikki Manning, Director of Safety and Training – Canada
Vikki Manning is Director of Safety and Training for Canada at Switzer-CARTY Transportation. She has more than 20 years of experience in student transportation, spanning both operations and safety. After beginning her career as a school bus driver, Vikki progressed into increasingly senior roles through her demonstrated leadership and commitment to safety.
Vikki was instrumental in creating the Switzer-CARTY driver training program, which was among the first courses to be approved by the Province of Ontario under its updated training standards. Her passion for safety guides the team’s continued commitment to Switzer-CARTY’s foundational principles.
