The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) Public Transportation team is proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding individuals selected as the 2025 Employees of the Year. These honorees exemplify dedication, service, and a commitment to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout the Upper Cumberland region.
“Our employees are the backbone of everything we do,” said Mark Farley, UCHRA Executive Director. “Each of these individuals has gone above and beyond in service to their clients, coworkers, and communities, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”
The following public transportation employees have been recognized for their exceptional contributions in 2025:
- Rural Drivers of the Year:
- Region 1: Donny Miller (Cumberland)
- Region 2: Victor Ketring (Fentress)
- Region 3: Roy Brown (Jackson)
- Regional Dispatchers:
- Maxine Anderson (Cumberland)
- Penny Hix (Clay)
- Lashay Dobson (White)
- Stephanie Rigsby (Warren)
- Paula Rigsby (Warren)
Additionally, UCHRA Public Transportation staff who participated in the local transportation Roadeo competition were recognized. In the Maintenance division, Daniel Holmes took home first place, with Joey Bitter earning second. In the T-305 category, Billy Gilbert of Putnam County claimed first place, followed by John Pistol, also of Putnam, in second, and Sheryl Stephens of Pickett County in third. For the Cutaway division, Jonny Maynard of Putnam County secured first place, Billy Gilbert earned second, and Michael Smith of Clay County rounded out the top three.
Our top winners will go on to represent UCHRA at the statewide Roadeo in Knoxville.
Together, these individuals represent the heart of UCDD and UCHRA’s mission: to help the Upper Cumberland region cultivate self-sufficiency and build true wealth through innovation, collaboration, and leadership.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Donny Miller, Driver; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Joey Bitter, Maintenance; and Mark Farley, UCHRA Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; John Pistol, Driver; and Mark Farley, UCHRA Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Michael Smith, Driver; and Mark Farley, UCHRA Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Roy Brown, Driver; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Sheryl Stephens, Driver; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Daniel Holmes, Maintenance; and Mark Farley, UCHRA Executive Director.
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- Pictured: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Regional Dispatchers Maxine Anderson, Penny Hix, Lashay Dobson, Stephanie Rigsby, and Paula Rigsby; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Jonny Maynard, Driver; and Mark Farley, UCHRA Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Victor Ketring, Driver; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Billy Gilbert, Driver; and Mark Farley, UCHRA Executive Director.
