News & Events

Schenectady, NY – June 16, 2025 – Transfinder Corporation is pleased to announce the hiring of former transportation leader Courtney Upell as an Account Executive. 

In her role, Upell is providing districts and bus contractors with insights about Transfinder’s award-winning tools along with insights about best practices when dealing with transportation issues thanks to her storied career in transportation. 

Upell began her transportation career as a 21-year-old when she became assistant transportation director in Castalia, Ohio, at her alma mater, Margaretta. In 2014, she was named director of transportation at Margaretta. In that role, she worked with the Ohio Department of Education to increase routing efficiency and state funding. 

In 2020, she became director of transportation at Perrysburg Local School District, a rural district located in the suburbs of Toledo. She said moving into one of the fastest growing districts in northwest Ohio, double the size of Margaretta, “was quite intimidating.

At Perrysburg, she dealt with a driver shortage and an increase in student enrollment. In the midst of these challenges, Upell decided to change routing software programs and move to Transfinder solutions in 2021. 

“Without a doubt it was the best decision ever made for the district, the drivers and me!” she said. 

That move began what would become a strong relationship with Transfinder. 

“Throughout the four years with Transfinder, I found myself always going back for more!” she said. “We started with Routefinder PLUS, which led to consolidating 43 routes down to 35, exactly what the district needed while struggling to find drivers. It also helped increase routing efficiency.” She said in 2024 Perrysburg was awarded the most efficient school transportation department of northwest Ohio. 

“My goal every year as a director was to ‘get better, do better for our students!’ Each year we would add another layer to our Transfinder collection,” she said. “We had Routefinder PLUS, Viewfinder, Stopfinder and Wayfinder. All these pieces to the puzzle made not only me but our office staff very successful in supporting our students.” 

Upell is bringing that expertise and drive to Transfinder. 

“Now I am beyond excited to bring not only my personal experiences with Transfinder to customers but to share my love for transportation,” she said. “It takes someone truly special to work in student transportation. At times it is difficult and challenging. Being able to work with our customers and help them become successful with their goals is truly an honor.” 

She said she loves her role as an Account Executive, working with folks in roles that she once had. 

“As an Account Executive I get to work with districts all over the country that may share the day-to-day struggles but also the day-to-day rewards,” Upell said. “Transportation departments all over the country are silent warriors, up before the sun rises, and usually the last face in the district a student sees in the evening. Being a part of a Transfinder client’s success drives me to do the best I can for our Transfinder team.  

Transfinder President & CEO Antonio Civitella said Courtney is a great addition to the Transfinder team. 

“Having a transportation leader who was at the top of her game and intimately familiar with Transfinder solutions is an invaluable resource for our clients,” Civitella said. “We believe our clients are partners and really family. Courtney has so much credibility in the transportation industry. We know her insights will be well received by our clients in Ohio and beyond.” 

About Transfinder
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Schenectady, New York, Transfinder is a national leader in intelligent transportation systems, providing transportation management systems and services to municipalities, school districts and adult care facilities. Transfinder, has been on Inc. magazine “fastest-growing company” list for 12 years. The software and hardware company has received numerous awards, including Best Software, Best Hardware and Best Safety Technology. In addition, Transfinder has repeatedly won Best Place to Work, Top Workplace and Best Companies to Work for accolades. Transfinder develops and supports routing and scheduling solutions for optimal transportation logistics. Transfinder also launched Patrolfinder policing technology to assist law enforcement. For more information, visit www.transfinder.com