(Columbia, Missouri, June 10, 2013) – Southwest Regional Director Scott Kosky has announced his retirement from OATS, Inc. on June 30, 2013 after 27 years with the transportation organization. OATS Southwest Region is comprised of 17 counties with offices based in Springfield, MO.
Mr. Kosky was hired April 15, 1986, to oversee all aspects of the operation of the region. Under his leadership, the region has grown from $664,170 in service contracts to over $3 million. Today, the Southwest Region serves over 5,400 people and last year provided 278,734 one-way trips. Service is provided with a fleet of 119 vehicles, 150 volunteers, 75 drivers and eight office staff.
“When you run a transportation company, you have many challenges every day,” says Dorothy Yeager, OATS Executive Director. “Scott brought to OATS a background in auto parts and mechanics, which was of great value. He played a major role in developing our preventive maintenance programs during his tenure.”
OATS is currently constructing a new regional facility that will be based in the Springfield Industrial Park. Kosky played a vital role in getting this construction project underway, which is expected to be complete in 2014. He is also a National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course Instructor and a Certified Community Transit Manager.
Jeff Robinson, who serves as the Southwest Area Manager, will fill the role vacated by Kosky. Robinson has been Area Manager since 2007.After more than 27 years with the U.S. Air Force Robinson retired with the grade of E-9 Chief Master Sergeant.
OATS, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit corporation providing specialized transportation for senior citizens, people with disabilities and the rural general public in 87 Missouri counties. Governed by a 15-member Board of Directors, the organization has a staff of over 750 employees and a fleet of 800 vehicles statewide. The home office is located in Columbia, Missouri with seven regional offices located throughout the state. OATS has grown to be one of the largest and most unique systems of its kind in the country.