HONORARY MEMBERS

Billy Whittenburg is a distinguished leader in Oklahoma pupil transportation whose career spans more than four decades of dedicated service. He served as President of the Oklahoma Association for Pupil Transportation from 1996–1997 and again from 2016–2017, becoming one of the few individuals to lead the association during two separate terms.

Billy's transportation career began while he was still in high school, participating in the auto mechanic program during his junior and senior years, where he learned to maintain the school district's bus fleet. In August 1978, he officially joined Durant Public Schools as a school bus driver and mechanic. Throughout his career, he held numerous transportation roles and eventually became the first official Transportation Director for Durant Public Schools.

In 1991, Billy was part of the inaugural group of Third-Party CDL Examiners established in Oklahoma under the leadership of State Director Randy McLaren. He was also among the first transportation professionals from Oklahoma to earn national certification in student transportation. His commitment to advancing the profession led him to represent Oklahoma on three occasions at the National Congress on School Transportation, a national body that convenes every five years to help shape transportation standards and best practices.

Billy has served as a State-Certified Mechanic Pre-Trip Instructor, Mechanic Inspector Instructor, and School Bus Driver Instructor. Within the association, he served multiple terms as Southeast Region Director, Vendor Liaison, and in numerous other leadership positions, contributing to nearly every facet of the organization's operations.

After 46 years of service to Durant Public Schools, Billy retired in April 2025. Throughout his career, he remained committed to the safety of Oklahoma's students and the advancement of pupil transportation. His leadership, expertise, and dedication have left a lasting impact on both OKAPT and the countless transportation professionals he mentored and served alongside.

Billy considers it a great honor to have worked with generations of dedicated transportation professionals who have spent the past 50 years ensuring the safe transportation of Oklahoma's students and continuing that mission into the future.

Chuck Lawson is a respected leader in Oklahoma pupil transportation whose career reflects decades of service, leadership, and commitment to student safety. He served as President of the Oklahoma Association for Pupil Transportation from 2007–2008 and again from 2014–2015, making a lasting impact on the association through both terms of leadership.

Chuck began his transportation career in 1982 as a school bus driver for Geary Public Schools. Just two years later, in 1984, he became the Transportation Director, beginning what would become a distinguished 38-year career in transportation leadership. He joined OKAPT in 1999 and quickly became an active volunteer and advocate for the association and the profession.

In 2005, Chuck earned the prestigious Certified Director of Pupil Transportation (CDPT) designation from the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), further demonstrating his commitment to professional excellence. In 2008, he became the Transportation Director for El Reno Public Schools, where he continued to serve students, staff, and the transportation community with distinction.

Following his first term as President, Chuck served as Northwest Region Director for five years before returning to the presidency for a second term. After completing his second presidency, he once again served as Northwest Region Director for an additional seven years, providing steady leadership and support to both the region and the association. His extensive service to OKAPT spans numerous years and leadership roles, making him one of the association's most dedicated volunteers.

Chuck also represented Oklahoma at the National Congress on School Transportation, serving as a member of the Oklahoma delegation at three separate conferences. Held every five years, the Congress brings transportation professionals together from across the nation to review and develop national school transportation safety standards. Through his participation, Chuck helped ensure Oklahoma's voice was represented in shaping best practices and safety standards for student transportation nationwide.

In June 2022, Chuck retired after an exceptional 38-year career as a Transportation Director. His dedication to student safety, professional development, and association leadership has left a lasting legacy within OKAPT and the pupil transportation profession throughout Oklahoma.

Kim Hamilton is a highly respected leader in Oklahoma pupil transportation whose career has been defined by service, leadership, and a commitment to advancing the profession. She served as President of the Oklahoma Association for Pupil Transportation from 2004–2005 and later served as Executive Director of OKAPT from 2007 to 2018, helping guide the association through a significant period of growth and development.

Kim began her transportation career in 1987 with Edmond Public Schools, where she gained experience in nearly every aspect of transportation operations. During her tenure, she served as a school bus driver, dispatcher, route coordinator, driver trainer, and traveling CDL examiner. Her diverse background provided her with a comprehensive understanding of pupil transportation and prepared her for future leadership roles.

In 1997, Kim joined Deer Creek Public Schools as the Grounds, Maintenance, and Transportation Director, where she continued to expand her leadership experience. She served in that role until 2000, when she accepted a position with Putnam City Schools as Assistant Director of Transportation. Her leadership abilities were quickly recognized, and she was promoted to Transportation Director the following year.

Kim served as Transportation Director for Putnam City Schools until her retirement in 2007. Following her retirement from the district, she transitioned into her role with OKAPT, where she served as Executive Director for more than a decade. During her time with the association, she provided steady leadership, supported countless transportation professionals, and played a key role in advancing the mission and goals of OKAPT.

Throughout her career, Kim demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student safety, professional development, and service to Oklahoma's transportation community. Her contributions as a transportation professional, association president, and executive director have left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit the association and the profession today.