Some of the top transit talent in the state is in Knoxville, including the best bus operator of a 40-foot long bus. Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) brought home several awards from the Tennessee Public Transportation Association’s annual conference in Memphis, Tennessee.
The winners are as follows:
- Greg Davis, First Place, 40-foot bus competition
- Dean Pruitt, Second Place, 35-foot bus competition
- Mike McAmis, Second Place, Bus Maintenance competition
- Mike Bannon, Urban Employee of the Year
The awards reflect a continuing trend of victory for KAT. Davis retains his first place title from last year’s competition in Chattanooga. He has placed in the state roadeo competition for eight years out of nine, and with this year’s win he will go on to compete in the international competition next May. Pruitt has also consistently placed in state competitions, with a record of 11 first or second place state wins.
In the maintenance department, McAmis has taken home awards from the last three years, including a First place win, Urban Transportation Employee of the Year, and now a second place bus maintenance finish. Mike Bannon, parts department manager, was named Urban Employee of the Year. As Si McMurray, chief maintenance officer for KAT states, “Mike began his career at KAT cleaning buses in 2007 and since that time, has consistently been promoted through the ranks, going above and beyond in each position, using his skills and talents to bring our organization forward. I can’t emphasize enough what an asset he continues to be to KAT.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of this team,” said Dawn Distler, director of transit for the City of Knoxville. “They continue to excel not only in this annual competition, but in their skill and professionalism every day.”
