VRT executive director to step down

Kelli Badesheim, executive director at Valley Regional Transit (VRT), has announced her intention to transition from the role after 22 years with the agency. Badesheim started as interim director in November 2000 and assumed the executive director role in August 2001, effectively leading the agency from its inception.

Badesheim points to upcoming transportation opportunities and strategies for the region in her decision to welcome new leadership.

“Mobility in our region is at a critical juncture,” said Badesheim. “I believe the transportation landscape will advance dramatically in the next five to 10 years and it feels like an appropriate time to open the door for new leadership to keep the agency moving forward. I am excited to continue the work in front of us and to support a seamless and successful beginning for VRT’s new leader.”

Badesheim started her transit career in 1994 at Boise Urban Stages, a precursor agency to VRT that provided transportation within the City of Boise. In 2005, she oversaw the transition from a collection of local services into a regional transit system. VRT has experienced substantial growth under Badesheim’s leadership, including the development of VRT’s current transit system and facilities, launch of innovative and specialized transportation services, stewardship of education and outreach programs, adoption of new technology, coordination of community partnerships, and adoption of the agency’s ValleyConnect 2.0 plan, which charts the future for transit in the region.

“Kelli has been a force for mobility in the region for more than two decades and has laid an important foundation for public transportation which will benefit our community for decades to come,” said Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling, Chair of the VRT Board of Directors and Executive Board.

VRT’s Executive Board is working with VRT leadership to outline the next steps in the hiring process, which will result in candidate recommendations to the Executive Board for a final selection. The search is anticipated to take approximately six to nine months.

“I believe we are on the cusp of a new era of transportation and mobility in this region,” said Badesheim. “I remain committed to the mission now as much as ever, and I look forward to working with new leaders and watching VRT grow into the regional authority we have envisioned.”