Transportation Administrators of Arizona
"Supporting student transportation in Arizona since 1981"
President's Message
Welcome!
Dear TAA Members,
It is a true honor to serve as President of the Transportation Administrators of Arizona. I am
grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. TAA is an
organization with a strong history, dedicated members, and an important mission, and I am
proud to serve alongside each of you who work every day to support students across our state.
As I begin this term, I want to be clear about the kind of leadership I believe you all deserve. I
believe TAA should be an organization built on transparency, accountability, professionalism,
and service. Our members should have confidence that their Board is acting with integrity,
communicating openly, and making decisions that reflect the best interests of the organization
as a whole. Strong organizations are built on trust, and trust is built through honesty,
consistency, and accountability at every level of leadership.
I also believe deeply in unity. Arizona’s transportation staff face many of the same challenges,
regardless of district size or location. Whether you serve as a director, supervisor, dispatcher,
trainer, mechanic, aide/monitor, or driver, the work you do matters. We may come from different
regions and roles, but we are all connected by a common purpose: safely transporting students
and helping them succeed. That spirit of Arizona Strong: Uniting Transportation
Professionals for Student Success is more than a conference theme—it is the kind of
organization I want us to continue building together.
During my time as President, one of my goals is to help strengthen TAA from within. That means
supporting a Board culture that is engaged, accountable, and focused on serving the
membership. It means improving communication, ensuring our members feel informed and
represented, and continuing to create opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and
connection across the state. I want TAA to be an organization where members feel heard,
valued, and confident in the direction we are moving.
I also want to recognize the leaders who have served before me and the many volunteers who
continue to give their time and energy to this organization. TAA is what it is because of people
who care deeply about student transportation and who are willing to invest in its future. I respect
that legacy and look forward to building on it with purpose and with all of you.
Thank you for the work you do each day in your districts, shops, offices, and communities.
Student transportation is not easy work, but it is important work, and it deserves strong
leadership and strong partnership. I am excited for what lies ahead, and I look forward to
serving TAA with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to moving our organization forward
together.
Shawn M West, President
TAA State Educational Partner
We are excited for the Trust to join our team as our first-ever, State Educational Partner. The Trust team will provide a wealth of resources to TAA members and continue doing the great work around the state for the student transportation industry.
