STA employees receive awards

Three Spokane Transit Authority employees have received awards recently. Brandon Rapez-Betty, customer and community relations manager, has received a 40 under 40 award from Mass Transit magazine. The award recognizes individuals who have shown a capacity for innovation, demonstrated leadership, and a commitment to making an impact in transit. Emily Arneson, community ombudsman and accessibility officer, has received the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award from the Washington State Bar Association for her contributions to the professional community, especially the community of young lawyers, within her initial years of practice. Arneson joined STA this year after practicing law for seven years in Tacoma and Spokane. Kathleen Weinand, principal transit planner, has been selected for the American Public Transit Association's Emerging Leaders program. The program honors early-career transit professionals and those who have recently changed careers to public transportation.