Executive Profiles
Kay B. Gallagher
Founder/CFO
Kay was integral in Synovia’s initial inception and has served as the company's Chief Financial Officer since 2002. She is Synovia's majority stockholder, responsible for the company's financial management along with general office administration. Prior to working at Synovia, Kay was an instructor of Finance at the University of Louisville and an Instructor of Accounting and Small Business at Morehead State University in Kentucky.
Kay earned a B.A. from Emory University, Atlanta, GA and a Masters in Business Administration from Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.
Richard J. Gallagher
Founder/President
As Founder and President of Synovia, Richard's passion for excellence and integrity has shaped the company's core values and business practices. Richard previously owned an authorized distribution center of OEM parts for Ford Motor Company and General Motors.
He was instrumental in leveraging technology and software as a means to improve efficiency in daily operations. In 2001, after the tragedy of 9/11, Richard and a team of founders created what would become the Synovia business plan. In his capacity as Synovia’s President, Richard develops the company's policies for deployment and implementation of Synovia Core, Extended and Custom Shop fleet management solutions.
Richard earned a B.S. in Economics from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky.
Bradley D. Bishop
Vice President
Brad is one of Synovia’s co-founding members and original developers of the company’s school bus tracking solutions. He works closely with transportation administrators to design and implement intuitive fleet tracking and management tools that help school districts, contractors, commercial, private and municipal fleets improve safety and savings. He also handles sales and marketing management, operations management, and overall customer satisfaction.
Brad graduated with a B.A. from Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
Thomas C. Polan
Vice President, Technology
Thomas designed the company’s first school bus tracking application in 2002 and has continued to upgrade its capabilities based directly on customer feedback. He also heads up research and development of new technology. Prior to coming on board with Synovia, Thomas was an associate of Vignette Corp., a start-up content management company.
Thomas earned a B.S. degree in Computer Science from Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
Woodrow W. Fitzmaurice
Vice President, Business Development
Woody is former General Manager of the Bureau of Student Transportation for the Chicago Public Schools and former Director of Transportation for the Cincinnati Public Schools. Woody gained extensive professional experience serving as Director of Pupil Transportation, Director of School District Reorganization, Director of Management Information Systems and Director of School Data for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Woody heads up business development, project management and strategic partnerships. He also
works closely with new customers on implementation, training and ongoing data analysis. Woody received an Associate of Science degree from Crowder Junior College, Neosho, MO; a B.S. in Education from Missouri Southern State College, Joplin, MO; and a Masters in Educational Administration from Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO.
Michael J. Shrontz
Vice President, Strategic Development/Sales & Marketing
Michael brings valuable operations and strategic insight to the group. He has served on the executive management teams for three national corporations and specializes in Brand Integrity, Brand Development and Brand Management. He also trains and leads the national sales team and works closely with Synovia marketing partners.
Mike studied Business Marketing at the University of Nebraska, the United States Armed Forces Institute, and graduated from the USAF NCO Academy where he served four years as an Intelligence Officer with Strategic Air Command.
Curt Roberts
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Curt comes on board with the goal of turning Synovia ideas and strategies into action. He joins Synovia as Chief Operating Officer (COO) after serving as the Transportation Director, GM and Regional Manager of several midwestern public school districts over the past 14 years. Curt previously managed and directed regional operations for Chicago Public Schools’ Bureau of Student Transportation. Throughout his career, he has served as GM for the Kansas City, Missouri School District’s transportation system and Director of Transportation for Liberty, Missouri Public Schools. Curt has also served as an executive board member for the Missouri Association of Pupil Transportation (MAPT), chair of the MAPT legislative committee, and member of the Illinois Pupil Transportation Advisory Committee (IPTAC).
As COO, Curt will be responsible for leading and managing Synovia’s day-to-day activities and operations. He has a B.S. from the University of Central Missouri and an M.B.A. from The Bloch School at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Pete Baxter
Corporate Director of Business Relations
Pete joins Synovia as Corporate Director of Business Relations after serving for 34 years as the Indiana Department of Education’s Director of School Transportation and Emergency Planning. Along with decades of experience in emergency preparedness programs, the evaluation of new safety features and legislation affecting school transportation, Pete served as Chairperson for the Indiana State School Bus Committee and the Fifteenth National Congress on School Transportation (NCST). He has also served as the President of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS).
Pete’s role means ongoing dialogue and relationships with school superintendents, business officials, school organizations and industry associations to understand and support their evolving needs and challenges. He has a B.A. from Transylvania University in Lexington, KY and an M.S. in Education from Indiana University, New Albany.
