KCATA Receives 2017 Regional Leadership Award
The Mid-America Regional Council recently honored Kansas City Area Transportation Authority with a 2017 Regional Leadership Award. The award recognizes people and organizations that make outstanding contributions to the region. According to MARC, recipients “have advanced a vision of a strong, healthy region, demonstrated commitment to its growth, and encouraged others to support and work towards that vision.”
KCATA was presented with the award for efforts to make area transit seamless, efficient, safe and innovative.
“I want people to know that this award represents the hard work of the staff of RideKC,” said President and CEO Robbie Makinen. “Our employees care deeply about their community, and demonstrate that both on and off the job.” Makinen also credited the KCATA Board of Commissioners with providing the vision and leadership to pursue a regional strategy focused on quality public transportation and related economic development.
MARC recognized KCATA for changing the way people think about mobility. They noted the success of consolidating area transit agencies under the single brand, RideKC, for more seamless, efficient bus services across the region. And they praised KCATA for developing innovative programs for on-demand services, incorporating new technologies, and expanding travel options. Through strong leadership, KCATA is ushering in a new era of collaboration in public transportation.
Above: KCATA Commissioners join CEO Robbie Makinen in accepting the MARC Regional Leadership Award. From left to right, Commissioner Dennis Bixby, Commissioner Melissa Bynum, Makinen, and Commissioner Daniel Serda.
The other 2017 honorees include:
- PREP-KC, which helps students in urban school districts find a path to college and career opportunities, with hands-on learning experiences, career academies and data-driven results.
- Dr. Lee Norman, Chief Medical Officer, University of Kansas Health System, who has led regional planning for highly infectious diseases.
- Sheriff Mark Owen, Platte County, Missouri, who has been a key force in building the region's extraordinary emergency response capabilities.
- The Regional Leadership Awards recognize outstanding contributions in advancing a regional vision of excellence; advocating for regional concepts, approaches and programs; and applying innovative solutions to regional challenges.