The transit operators honored at the event were nominated by their individual transit provider employers. All operators were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty to serve their communities and care for their riders. 2024 Operators recognized included:
- Randy Bower, SMTS (Deviated Fixed Route Service)
- Charrell DePree, CGCTA
- Sean Driscoll, JeffTran
- Stephen Duff, City Utilities of Springfield (Paratransit)
- Randy Hillyard, OATS Transit Northwest Region
- Bruce Hollinsworth, SMTS (Long-Distance Medical)
- Dan Langendoerfer, OATS Transit Mid-Missouri Region
- Shane Johnson, OATS Transit West Region
- Loretta Law, City Utilities of Springfield
- Sibyl Nanney, SMTS (Paratransit, local service)
- Howard Nevins, OATS Transit East Region
- Jaime Oestreich, SERVE, Inc.
- Rick Painter, OATS Transit Southwest Region
- Charles Park, CGCTA
- Kimberly Quinn, Metro Transit (MetroBus)
- Patty Robinson, OATS Transit Northeast Region
- Paul Schuerger, SMTS (Non-Emergency Medical)
- Frank Seiberlich, OATS Transit Mideast Region
- Takesha Standford, Metro Transit (Paratransit)
- James Sturrock, SMTS (Workshops)
- Peggy Taylor, OATS Transit Midwest Region
- Vickie Thomas, SERVE, Inc.
- Ray Wallace, KCATA
- Eric Williams, KC Streetcar
- Jerrell Woolford, Metro Transit (MetroLink)
“Transit operators work tirelessly to provide a vital service to their customers who rely on transit to get them where they need to go,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of the Missouri Public Transit Association. “Those named as 2024 Missouri Transit Operator Champions go above and beyond to assist their riders, but their efforts often go unnoticed by those outside of their community. We are proud to highlight their dedication and willingness to go the extra mile through this award.”
View the MPTA’s tribute to these operators below: