Each year, VTA recognizes outstanding leadership and contributions by individuals who are working to advance public transportation in their community. VTA also recognizes innovative, effective programs by our public transportation providers, business partners, and governmental leaders.
2020 Award Winners | Virtual Celebration
Helen Poore Transit Professional Distinguished Service Award: Debbie Swetnam
The Joe Alexander Distinguished Leadership Award: Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine
The Distinguished Public Transportation Agency Award: DRPT and Director Jennifer Mitchell
Outstanding Contribution by a Business: Transurban
Outstanding Community Program: Bay Transit (Small Transit System) | DASH (Community Service) | Hampton Roads Transit (Community Outreach)
Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing: GRTC (Transit System) | WMATA & Northern VA Transportation Commission (Regional Collaboration) | Suffolk Transit (Honorable Mention) | Vanpool Alliance (TDM)
Exceptional Safety Award: Virginia Railway Express
Public Transportation Unsung Heroes: Tristan Cunningham, DASH (Transit) and Cherika Ruffin, Ridefinders (TDM)
2019 Award Winners | Portsmouth, Virginia
Helen Poore Transit Professional Distinguished Service Award: Reggie Smith
The Distinguished Legislative Leadership Award: Senator Monty Mason and Delegate Bob Thomas
Distinguished Public Official Leadership Award: The Honorable Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and The Honorable Catherine M. Hudgins, Member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Outstanding Community Program Award: CAT | Program Title: “GO Driver: Driver Recruitment, Expanding Our Reach"
Outstanding Community Program Award Honorable Mention: GRTC | Program Title: “CARE On-Demand”
Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing Award: Loudoun County Transit (Winner) | “Vámonos! (Let’s Go!)”, and GRTC (Winner) | “GRTC Pulse: More Time for Life. ™”
Outstanding Marketing Award: Honorable Mention: Blacksburg Transit | “Rebranding BT’s Bus Graphics Package”, and DRPT | “Catch the Breeze”
Employee Unsung Hero Award : GRTC | Kelsey Calder, Travel Training Instructor
Outstanding Contribution by an Individual: GLTC Transit | Ben Blanks, Volunteer, and HRT | Janice Taylor, Self Appointed Advocate for the Disabled
