SMTS announced Tracy Jones, Director of Finance for SMTS, Inc. has been named the next Executive Director of SMTS effective July, 2024. SMTS, which celebrated 50 Years of continuous service to Missouri residents in need of Rural Public Transit in 2023, has, until 2024, only had two Executive Directors, William “Bill” Osborne (1973 – 2013) and Denny Ward (2014 – 2024).
Jones, who was hired as the Director of Finance for SMTS in 2017, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Central Methodist College, with a Major in Accounting and Minor in Business Administration. She and her husband, Rudy, have three children, Quentin, Avery, and Tobias, and make their home in Fredericktown. Tracy issued the following statement upon acceptance of the position: “SMTS has a reputation of excellence in the Public Transit Industry as the nation’s second largest rural transit provider, and a culture that I find challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding. I’m honored and thrilled for this opportunity. SMTS is filled with employees who have a heart and commitment to serve others. In the seven years I’ve been with the company, I’ve seen how our employees and our mission positively impact the counties we serve. I’m incredibly grateful for the Board’s vote of confidence in my leadership ability, and for the years of mentorship I’ve had with the existing Executive Director, Denny Ward. I look forward to being a part of the ongoing success story SMTS has written over the past 50 Years.”
SMTS Accounting Manager Debbie Elders will fill the soon-to-be vacant position of Director of Finance. Elders, who joined the SMTS family back in 2021, is a graduate of Central Methodist College with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Majoring in Accounting, Minoring in Business Administration. Elders has spent the past two years cross-training with Jones to familiarize herself with the company’s financial management and internal controls.
Daniel Smith, Fleet and Facility Manager, has accepted the position of Director of Operations. Smith, who has already assumed this responsibility, brings with him years of experience in fleet mechanics, construction and building maintenance, upper-level management, and people skills. Smith started his career with SMTS in 2018 as Fleet Manager.
NEMT Supervisor, Angela Firebaugh will become Operations Supervisor and will work alongside Smith to facilitate hiring, training, reporting, administrative duties, daily operations and enhance scheduling.
“With 50 Years in its rearview mirror, and nothing but country roads and commitment to the residents of rural Missouri in its windshield, SMTS is proud to be a part of a network of Public Transit Providers that blanket our Great State with this much-needed service,” says Executive Director, Denny Ward, who will officially retire in July of 2024.