DAVID JOHNSON
PRESIDENT/INSTRUCTOR

In 1965, David Johnson began driving trucks for a road contractor during the summers of his college years. Following college, and as a full time teacher, David drove trucks for Ryder Truck Rental on nights and weekends.

In 1971, David began work with the U.S. Government and retired in 1999. His duties included truck driving and continuous contact with the trucking industry.

David earned a Masters Degree of Adult Education from the University of Memphis.

Since 1999, David has worked as a truck driver, transportation industry consultant, and as a part time instructor at America’s Driving Academy located in Theodore, Alabama.

In March of 2005, David and his wife Theresa, purchased the former America’s Driving Academy property in Theodore and incorporated Premier Driving Academy Inc.

THERESA JOHNSON
VICE PRESIDENT/HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTOR

Mrs. Johnson comes to Premier Driving Academy as Vice President of the company as well as the Health and Lifestyle Instructor.

Mrs. Johnson has a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Mobile, a Bachelors of Arts degree in family life consumer science, and a Masters degree in Education. Mrs. Johnson has 16 years of experience in health, nutrition, wellness, and family life living skills education.

CORPORATE OFFICERS

FACULTY AND STAFF

 SCHOOL DIRECTOR

School Director/Lead Instructor/Road & Range Instructor

Russell Pilling-hold a class A CDL

Russell has over 14 yrs as a Professional Truck Driver, 13 as a driver trainer. He has experience in flatbed, refre units and dry vans. He came to Premier in 2005.

MANAGERS

Office Manager/Job Placement Director/HR/Accountant

Sandra L. Pilling

Sandra has over 24 years in management. She came to Premier in 2005.

OFFICE ASSISTANCE

Office Assistance

Erica L. Long

Erica has over 16 yrs experience in office assistance and paralegal. She came to Premier in 2014.

THEODORE FACULTY

All Instructors hold a class A CDL

Classroom Instructor: Ann Conley has over 27 years as a Professional Driver. She has experience in doubles, flatbeds, Hazmat/Tanker, refrigeration units and dry vans. Ann has over 13 years teaching with Premier. She has taught range, road, and pre-trip skills and CDL prep in the classroom. 

Range/Road Instructor: Michael Smith has 21 yrs as a Professional Truck Driver. He was a driver trainer and in-house instructor. He has experience in tanker and dry vans. He came to Premier in 2015.

Range/Road Instructor: David Eschete has 10 yrs as a Professional Truck Driver. He has experience in flatbed, tankers, refer units and dry vans. He came to Premier in 2012.

Range/Road Instructor: Donnie (Wayne) Wright has 30 yrs as a Professional Truck Driver with experience in flatbed and dry vans. He also gave road test to new employees. He came to Premier in 2014.

Range Instructor: Josh Tomplait has 7 years experience in an Industrial Setting with RPS Contractor for Southern Company serving Ala. Ms. and Ga. He was a professional OTR driver with experience in both flatbed and dry van. He is also a former Graduate of Premier.