2024 40 Under 40: Schneider St.Preux

Schneider St.Preux, general superintendent, Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), oversees the largest cohort of employees for the DTPW, showcasing his exceptional leadership skills and ability to manage complex operational structures. His strategic vision and hands-on approach has been instrumental in driving operational efficiency and excellence within the bus operations section.

St.Preux oversees a substantial budget of $350 million and a workforce of more than 1800 employees. He started as a bus operator for the DTPW and steadily ascending through the ranks to his current senior leadership position as general superintendent.  

He has spearheaded the successful launch of DTPW's redesigned bus network. Recognizing the need for modernization and improved service delivery, He played a pivotal role in preparing staff through comprehensive training initiatives, ensuring a seamless transition and enhanced service quality for passengers. Under Schneider’s direction, bus operations staff were able to identify some key issues that impacted DTPW’s On-Time Performance (OTP) after the launch of the network. He was able to put forth an initiative on some underperforming routes that yielded a notable improvement, with OTP rising from 65 percent to 72 percent.  The enhancement led to greater reliability and punctuality of services, reduced passenger wait times, increased satisfaction, optimized resource allocation and a more efficient and dependable service on those specific routes.    

His commitment to advancing the field of transportation extends beyond his daily responsibilities. As an active member of Conference of Minority Transportation Officials and participant in several American Public Transportation Association Bus committees, he actively contributes to industry dialogue, sharing insights and best practices to drive continuous improvement and innovation. St.Preux is also affiliated with the Eno Center for Transportation as an alumnus of the Transportation Executive Program. 

Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today? 

I never intended to become a bus operator; my initial goal was to pursue a career in law enforcement. However, when I started my career as a bus operator, I heard testimonials from other operators who genuinely enjoyed their work. Witnessing the positive impact, we made in our passengers' lives was eye-opening. 

A pivotal moment in my journey was seeing the career progression of my former boss, Derrick Gordon, who started as a bus operator like me and worked his way up to assistant director of bus services at DTPW. Similarly, my current boss, Joel Perez, began as a maintenance technician and also rose through the ranks to become an assistant director. These experiences demonstrated the potential for growth and the significant difference we can make in our community through reliable transportation services. Inspired by their stories and the satisfaction of helping others, I found my passion and purpose in this field, which ultimately led me to where I am today.  

What do you enjoy most about your job?  

I take great pride in helping and making a difference in the community where I was born and raised. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is providing essential services to those who don't have many options for transportation. Knowing that our reliable bus services enable individuals to get to work, school, medical appointments and other critical destinations brings me immense satisfaction. 

Additionally, I find joy in promoting our staff and empowering them to deliver outstanding results. It's incredibly rewarding to see our team grow and develop, knowing that their efforts contribute significantly to our mission. By fostering an environment where our staff feels valued and motivated, we collectively ensure that our community receives the dependable transportation services they rely on every day. 

Ultimately, my job allows me to blend my passion for community service with the opportunity to mentor and support a dedicated team, all while making a tangible difference in the lives of those around me. 

What’s the most challenging part of your job?  

The most challenging part of my job is getting employees to buy into decisions, processes or new technologies. As a leader, I must constantly find unique ways or techniques to help employees understand why our department is moving in a certain direction or why specific decisions are made. 

It can be particularly difficult to win over employees who are accustomed to doing things a certain way and are resistant to change. Ensuring that everyone sees the benefits and necessity of new initiatives requires clear communication, patience and sometimes creative problem-solving. Building trust and fostering an environment where employees feel heard and valued are crucial in overcoming these challenges and achieving our collective goals.  

Accomplishment you’re most proud of and why?  

The accomplishment I'm most proud of is successfully leading our bus operation team through the implementation of the Better Bus Network. This was a monumental redesign of Miami, Fla.,'s bus network, which had not seen significant changes in 40 years. Despite initial unpopularity, we remained committed to improving and adapting the system based on feedback from both our staff and passengers. 

Preparing all bus operations staff for this massive rollout was a significant undertaking. It required extensive training, coordination and communication to ensure everyone was ready for the transition. Seeing the positive impact of our efforts and how the network is continually improving through recommendations is incredibly fulfilling. This achievement highlights our team's dedication to providing better, more efficient transportation services to our community. 

What is an accomplishment you would like to work towards in your career?  

An accomplishment that I work towards in my career is to leave the agency that I work for in a better state than when I first began. This means continuously improving the quality of services, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring that the agency adapts to the evolving needs of the community. 

By implementing innovative solutions, embracing new technologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, I can contribute to a more reliable, accessible and efficient transit system. Ultimately, the goal is to create a lasting positive impact that benefits both the staff and the passengers, ensuring that the agency is better equipped to serve future generations. 

Best advice/tip/best practice to share from your area of expertise?  

One of the best pieces of advice I can share from my area of expertise is to deeply understand your job and prioritize building and maintaining strong relationships. Knowing your job inside and out allows you to make informed decisions, anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions. This expertise not only builds your confidence, but also earns you the respect and trust of your team. 

Equally important is cultivating relationships with your colleagues, staff and the community. Effective communication, empathy and active listening are key to understanding the needs and concerns of those around you. By fostering a collaborative environment and showing genuine interest in others' perspectives, you can build a supportive and motivated team. Balancing technical proficiency with strong interpersonal skills creates a foundation for success and continuous improvement in any leadership role.