Karen Lewis Honored with 2022 Bill Dane Award

Medford, Oregon – On October 30th, 2023 Paratransit Services held an awards ceremony to recognize Karen Lewis of Rouge Valley Transportation District as the Bill Dane Award recipient for 2022.  The Bill Dane award is the highest honor in the company and the winner is carefully selected by the Paratransit Services Board of Directors.

The Bill Dane Award was established in 1995 to recognize the contributions of William R. Dane to Paratransit Services. During his 5 years of employment until retiring at age 85, Bill Dane was recognized as an "Ambassador" of Paratransit Services. He is well remembered by those who worked with and knew him for his exemplary performance, professional demeanor, dedication, and for the songs he sang regularly to his passengers.

Karen began her career with Paratransit Services as a driver in November 2005. She then moved into a dispatcher position and after a few years was promoted to her current position as Operations Assistant. Her preparation and ability to respond to emergency situations with confidence help keep the rest of the staff calm and focused. She has a willingness to do whatever is required which is both refreshing and admirable! Karen demonstrates a clear commitment to her staff through communication to ensure that their questions are met and that they have every tool needed to succeed.

General Manager Jason Ligons had this to say about Karen:

“Karen has been relied upon on countless occasions and has always been dependable and accurate with her work. Her excellent attendance and willingness to go "above and beyond" has been a great benefit to me, our customer's, staff and the company in many ways. I feel her efforts are appreciated by our client's, other management, our Operations Supervisor and especially our contractor who she corresponds with daily.”

 The awards presentation was held onsite at our location in Medford, Oregon. Paratransit Services Board Member Bryan McConaughy presented the award, with CEO/President David Baker, COO/EVP Christie Scheffer, and Director of Safety, Training & Operations Bill Kluth all in attendance as well.

 Paratransit Services is committed to making a difference each day in the lives of our employees and in the communities we proudly serve. It is an honor to recognize Karen Lewis for exemplifying the heart of service and excellence Paratransit Services stands for!