L-R: Transportation Manager Kelli Pickett, Assistant Transportation Manager Tanus Smith. (Image Credit: Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Follows retirement of Transportation Manager Shevon Coram

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools announces leadership changes in Transportation Department

Jan 15, 2026 | 3:58 PM

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools has announced what its describing as significant leadership appointments within its Transportation Department.

Officials say Kelli Pickett has been promoted to the role of Transportation Manager, effective Dec. 22, 2025, and Tanus Smith has been appointed Assistant Transportation Manager, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

RDCRS says these appointments follow the retirement of Transportation Manager Shevon Coram. The Division says it extends its sincere gratitude to Coram for her years of service and leadership, and wishes her the very best in her retirement.

“We are fortunate to have such depth of talent within our team. Kelli and Tanus’ commitment to student safety and operational excellence ensures a seamless transition, and we are excited to see the department continue to thrive under their leadership,” said Rhonda Nixon, Superintendent of Schools, in a press release this week. 

Officials say Pickett brings extensive experience to the role of Transportation Manager. Described as a veteran of the transportation industry since 2008, she joined the Division in 2013 as the Transportation Safety and Training Coordinator before advancing to Assistant Manager in 2019.

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RDCRS says Pickett has been instrumental in ensuring compliance with the National Safety Code, overseeing the implementation of Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT), and administering the Division’s 2S Training Program. Officials say Pickett also offers a unique technical perspective to the department as a journeyman welder.

Tanus Smith, meantime, the new Assistant Transportation Manager, has been a staple of the department since 2008. Division officials say Smith brings a diverse professional background spanning funeral service, healthcare, and transportation. They say her tenure with the Division has seen her master nearly every aspect of operations, including serving as a school bus driver, Class 2 driving instructor, dispatcher, and routing specialist, as well as managing payroll and parts administration.

Officials say Smith is known throughout the division for her dedication to continuous learning and student safety.