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Ben Franklin Transit General Manager Announces Plans for Retirement
RICHLAND, WA. – On Thursday, November 11, Ben Franklin Transit’s (BFT) General Manager, Gloria Boyce, notified the Board of Directors of her intention to retire in early 2022. Ms. Boyce will continue to serve the agency through January 31, 2022. She was hired as BFT’s Director of Finance in 2012 and was promoted to General Manager in 2016.
“It has been a great honor to work with Ben Franklin Transit’s Board of Directors and an absolute privilege leading our brilliant team over the past nine, almost ten years,” shared Ms. Boyce. “I am very pleased with what we have accomplished together during my time as General Manager.”
Under her leadership, Ben Franklin Transit expanded public transportation services in the community through the extension of evening service hours to 10 p.m. and the roll out of Sunday service. In addition, the agency also implemented BFT CONNECT, an on-demand ride share service along with high frequency METRO Routes offering 15-minute service along high traffic corridors.
“BFT’s personnel are its greatest asset, and I am forever grateful for their contribution. I want to wish the entire BFT team success as they continue to grow and serve our community," added Ms. Boyce.
Benton City Councilwoman and BFT Board Vice-Chair Lisa Stade, confirmed that General Manager Gloria Boyce is retiring after being at BFT since 2012. Ms. Stade added, “BFT benefited greatly from Gloria’s financial expertise. During her tenure, we navigated through some difficult times. BFT’s timely pivots during the pandemic kept public and operator safety a top priority. We’ve been able to keep people safe while connecting them to critical services throughout the pandemic. I am confident that BFT is well-positioned to carry on its tradition of excellent public service following Gloria’s retirement.”
The Board of Directors will begin discussions shortly on the recruitment process to be implemented for selection of the next General Manager for Ben Franklin Transit.