Elizabeth DeSpain Retires after 20 Years with Paratransit Services
Longview, Washington – November 5, 2021. Elizabeth “Betsy” DeSpain, Paratransit Services General Manager for RiverCities LIFT in Longview, Washington, was given a heartfelt retirement sendoff by the non-profit company at a gathering in Longview.
On hand to offer best wises were, in addition to her husband Steve, several members of the company’s corporate team, including (l to r in photo) CEO David Baker, Board of Directors Chairman William Mahan, Human Resources Director (and Betsy’s predecessor in Longview) Randy Grove, and Chief Operating Officer Christie Scheffer.
Ms. DeSpain has been with Paratransit Services for 20 years, starting in 2001 as Operations Supervisor for the company’s TriMet LIFT contract in Portland, Oregon. In 2005, Ms. DeSpain accepted a position as General Manager for Paratransit Services’ contract to operate Community Urban Bus Service (CUBS), serving the cities of Longview and Kelso in southwestern Washington State. She has maintained that position to the present day, although the service name has been changed to RiverCities LIFT.
In 2016, Betsy and her staff in Longview were named to the 2016 Wall of Fame at the Washington State Department of Transportation 40th Annual Public Transportation Conference. Ms. DeSpain was acknowledged for her emphasis on the “values of safety and positive, supportive professionalism,” as demonstrated by her outstanding efforts to keep her buses running the previous winter during conditions so harsh that a State of Emergency was declared by Governor Inslee.
During the farewell at a local restaurant in Longview, Ms. DeSpain was presented with a plaque that read, “Your commitment every day to our mission and your leadership and dedication to our employees, clients, and communities we serve is greatly appreciate. You have truly made a difference in so many of the lives we are entrusted to serve and have left your mark on Paratransit Services for years to come!”
In addition to honors from Paratransit Services, Ms. DeSpain was also presented with a token of appreciation from RiverCities Transit, a crystal award thanking her for "16 years of service and the countless lives you’ve touched. You made a difference. Congratulations on your Retirement!”