The Team
Who We Are
Jim Miller
President & CEO
Jim Miller is the President & CEO of Driving School Consultants, where he is dedicated to strengthening pathways in transportation and shaping the future of the industry through hands-on training, real-world experience, and meaningful connections.
Helping new driving schools get their start, find their way, and expand is vitally important to Jim. He is deeply committed to creating safer roads by developing well educated, responsible drivers and supporting programs that raise standards across the transportation field. For Jim, it’s about more than moving vehicles, it’s about building trust, ensuring safety, and preparing people for long-term success on the road.
Outside of work, Jim is an avid outdoorsman who loves spending time in nature. Whether it’s hunting in the woods, fishing on the water, or enjoying a day of boating, he finds energy and balance outdoors and values the time it gives him to recharge and reflect.
Amy Dutra
Senior Vice President of Marketing and Client Development
Amy Bricken is the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Client Development at Driving School Consultants, where she plays a key role in shaping the company’s brand, expanding its client base, and building long-term partnerships.
In her role, Amy develops and executes the company’s comprehensive marketing strategy—driving initiatives in brand positioning, digital presence, content marketing, events, and thought leadership. Her work is instrumental in raising awareness of Driving School Consultants’ services among driving schools, industry associations, and regulatory agencies, ensuring the company remains a trusted leader in compliance, operations, and growth support.
Beyond her professional achievements, Amy values creating balance in her life. She loves traveling and spending quality time with her family. Whether running, relaxing at the pool, or enjoying a day on the lake, she embraces the outdoors as an important part of maintaining her work-life balance.
Chris Pender
Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Development
With over 15 years in the CDL training industry, Chris is a workforce development leader passionate about helping individuals build careers through skills-based education.
As Vice President and Officer at CDS Tractor Trailer Training, he led the company's growth from one to eleven locations across Virginia. This expansion was driving by strong partnerships with the Virginia Community College System and close collaboration with state and federal agencies. His role covered contract negotiation, operational oversight, funding, curriculum development, property and equipment management, and leading a team of 80+ employees. Chris also helped implement Virginia's third-party CDL testing and piloted the modernized CDL skills test.
Now at DSC, Chris will focus on sharing industry knowledge, forming meaningful partnerships, and helping students earn credentials that lead to life-changing opportunities.
Chris grew up in the industry. His mom has 36+ years in it - and got his start at age 15. Since then, he has earned his CDL, studied business management and diesel tech, and worked in the automotive sector. He is proud to continue contributing to an industry that's been part of his life from the beginning. In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, including three brothers, three nieces, a nephew and his inspiring mother.