Mass Transit magazine features agency profiles, industry trends, management tips and new product information.
Issue link: https://masstransit.epubxp.com/i/385405
28 | Mass Transit | MassTransitmag.com | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 Jennifer R. Garrity Manager of Administration MetroLink Hillary Foose Director, Communication & Marketing Valley Metro JENNIFER GARRITY joined MetroLink in Rock Island, Illinois, in 1999 and has been in her current role as the manager of administration since 2005. Garrity's duties include managing the strategic af- fairs of the organization and the administrative staf, as well as providing support in implementing the vision and di- rection for the organization. She has been instrumental in creating a culture that embraces innova- tion and has developed strong personal relationships with staf and the board of trustees, and has incorporated a team environment to drive initiatives forward. Garrity serves as the public relations and marketing expert of MetroLink and spearheaded marketing campaigns recognized nationally by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), as well as locally. Garrity also serves as the media liaison and has generated positive local media pieces in print and tele- vision, as well as the national publications Mass Tran- sit, Green Building Designs and Passenger Transport. Garrity was part of the project team tasked with the construction and implementation of MetroLink 's new $40 million operations and maintenance center, which opened in April. She assisted in securing funding and managed MetroLink 's $10 million bond issuance asso- ciated with that project. She also managed the DBE goal setting and outreach activities promoting contracting oppor- tunities, which resulted in par- ticipation that far exceeded the overall goal. Her commitment to the or- ganization allowed it to achieve APTA's Outstanding Public Transportation System of the Year award in 2012, as well as a number of community awards. She was instrumental in the implementation of strategic goals, including a college and university unlimited ride program, workforce development opportunities, and asset improvements. Garrity was named a Leader Under 40 in the Quad Cities region. www.MassTransitmag.com/11617610 HILLARY FOOSE is part of Valley Metro's leadership team, working directly with the CEO on all marketing and communi- cations strategies. Valley Metro is the regional transit agency for the Phoenix metro area, serving more than 250,000 residents every day. Foose joined the Metro team in 2008 as public infor- mation office for the light rail line. This turned out to be her true professional calling. As a Valley native, she grew up seeing the urban sprawl spread further and further away from Phoenix. As the new Metro PIO, her job was to increase awareness about the benefits of a re- gional, multi-modal system. In 2012 Metro Rail and Valley Metro merged, creating one agency for regional transit. Foose was promoted to director of communication and marketing and played a pivotal role in the inte- gration of the two systems. She manages the marketing and communi- cations department, overseeing a team of 30 people. She is responsible for the strategy and implementation of campaigns for the light rail line, bus service, dial-a-ride, Commute Solutions and future capital projects, including two rail extensions under construction. Foose has developed and managed many prominent transit campaigns. She was instrumental in the grand opening of light rail, conduct- ing dozens of media interviews and planning a one-of-a-kind, multi-location grand opening event for the community. She oversaw the launch of the award-winning Shop On cam- paign, which helps support small businesses impacted by light rail construction. He also led Stop on Red, a powerful safety awareness campaign involving light rail wraps and an online pledge. Foose is an active member of the American Pub- lic Transportation Association (APTA) and WTS International (Women's Transportation Seminar). In 2013 Hoose was selected to participate in the American Public Transportation Associa- tion's Leadership APTA class. www.MassTransitmag.com/11617603 "Working at Valley Metro has afforded me the opportunity to excel at what I enjoy — work with an amazing group of professionals and help transform my hometown with the development of an excellent transit system." "… I would like to see Metro continue to expand its role as an economic driver through the incorporation of passenger and commuter rail … We want to be [the] No. one reason ... millenials choose to live, work and play in the Quad Cities."