Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Community Involvment
Languages
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Brandon K. Rapez-Betty

Spokane,WA

Summary

Known transit industry leader recognized for collaboration and trust across all relationships. Proven expertise in enhancing public transit systems to strengthen communities, driving impactful initiatives through strategic visioning, operational accountability, and high emotional intelligence. Core competencies include team empowerment and systems alignment, successfully achieving organizational goals and performance measures. Committed to efficient and collaborative environments that inspire collective success.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer

Spokane Transit Authority
Spokane, WA
01.2025 - Current
  • Stability: Appointed as Interim Co-CEO while maintaining full operational leadership as COO during a critical transitional period.
  • Strategy: Co-direct strategic initiatives and oversee comprehensive operations, collaborating closely with a fellow Interim Co-CEO, and reporting directly to the Board.
  • Leadership: Expand oversight to include Communications & Customer Service, Human Resources (Labor & Employee Relations, Safety, Security, Training & Development), Ombudsman & Accessibility Officer, and Public Records Officer.
  • Accountability: Collaborate on shared executive responsibilities—including Board liaison, state/federal government affairs, real estate acquisition, contracts, and legal counsel coordination—to ensure unified decision-making, and effective communication.
  • Representation and Advocacy: Represent the agency on key external boards to enhance community engagement and transit advocacy. (Washington State Transit Association, Downtown Spokane Partnership, Spokane Regional Transportation Management Center.)

Chief Operations Officer

Spokane Transit Authority
Spokane, WA
01.2022 - Current
  • Oversight and Leadership: Direct all aspects of the Operations Division, encompassing Fixed Route (350 operators, 51 routes, 180 buses), Paratransit (120 operators, 125 vans), Rideshare (91 vehicles, 80 carpool groups), Vehicle Maintenance (80 employees, 425+ vehicles), and Facility and Property Maintenance (40 employees, 21 transit facilities).
  • Safety and Security: Develop and enforce comprehensive policies and protocols to safeguard both employees and the public, ensuring a secure transit network.
  • Emergency Management: Act as Incident Commander for all emergency operations, leading rapid response efforts, and crisis management.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Lead the development and implementation of the agency's zero-emission fleet and facility plan, driving sustainability across operations.
  • Labor Relations: Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with three collective bargaining units, balancing labor-management interests to support operational excellence.
  • Budget & Financial Stewardship: Develop and manage a $103M operations budget (2024), and oversee a $26M capital budget for fleet, facility, and maintenance, ensuring strategic resource allocation.
  • Strategic Alignment & Asset Management: Align operational leadership, strategies, and tactics with agency goals; direct the annual Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan to maintain all assets in a state of good repair.
  • Technology & Innovation: Oversee the integration and optimization of operational technology solutions, and implement projects that enhance customer experience and improve efficiency.

Chief Communications & Customer Service Officer

Spokane Transit Authority
Spokane, WA
09.2018 - 09.2022
  • Directed emergency response communications in coordination with regional Emergency Management Operations Center.
  • Develop and lead strategic communication and marketing plans aligned with agency goals and objectives.
  • Develop and lead media and public relations strategies.
  • Serve as agency spokesperson in external affairs.
  • Plan and implement community outreach events.
  • Support agency public outreach efforts to gather community input.
  • Implement continual improvements in customer service to elevate the customer experience.
  • Direct customer and public surveys to measure public sentiment.
  • Track legislation and participate in all aspects of government relations.

Customer & Community Relations Manager

Spokane Transit Authority
Spokane , WA
01.2017 - 07.2018
  • Served as primary liaison managing public relations.
  • Directed customer service operations to maintain high-quality control standards.
  • Managed 'Quality Counts' secret shopper initiative to ensure ongoing service excellence.
  • Oversee and enhance operations at STA Plaza, creating a vibrant downtown transit center.
  • Orchestrated a public awareness initiative resulting in the successful passage of a key funding measure.
  • Designed strategic initiatives to promote sales growth and improve program involvement.
  • Enhanced strategic alliances to promote the advancement of agency goals among community stakeholders.
  • Facilitated labor relations discussions to sustain organizational harmony.

Senior Communication Specialist

Spokane Transit Authority
Spokane, WA
03.2014 - 01.2017
  • Developed and maintained strategic partnerships with community stakeholders to enhance collaboration.
  • Designed and implemented cohesive communication strategies to enhance visibility.
  • Developed community and media outreach strategies to build public trust.
  • Managed and enhanced social media platforms to increase engagement.
  • Contributed to expanding brand reach through targeted collaboration.
  • Crafted messaging that articulates a clear and impactful identity.

Education

Master of Arts - Urban & Regional Planning

Eastern Washington University (Spokane Campus)
Spokane, WA
06-2009

Bachelor of Arts - International Studies & Spanish Language

University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho
12-2003

Skills

  • Executive leadership
  • Board Governance
  • Organizational development
  • Community engagement
  • Partnership development
  • Government relations
  • Performance optimization
  • Safety and Security
  • Crisis management
  • Cross-functional coordination
  • Strategic planning
  • Business development
  • Relationship management
  • PR strategy development

Community Involvment

  • Board Member, Washington State Transit Association
  • Board Member, Providence Inland Northwest Community Mission Board
  • Board Member - Spokane Regional Transportation Management Center
  • Board Member, Spokane City Credit Union
  • Incoming board member - Downtown Spokane Partnership
  • Former board member, University District Development Association
  • Former board member, Leadership Spokane

Languages

Spanish
Professional

Accomplishments

  • Mass Transit 40 Under Forty (2017)
  • Journal of Business Rising Star (2017)
  • Ironman Coeur d'Alene (2016)
  • United States Peace Corps Volunteer, Dominican Republic (2005-2007)

Timeline

Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer

Spokane Transit Authority
01.2025 - Current

Chief Operations Officer

Spokane Transit Authority
01.2022 - Current

Chief Communications & Customer Service Officer

Spokane Transit Authority
09.2018 - 09.2022

Customer & Community Relations Manager

Spokane Transit Authority
01.2017 - 07.2018

Senior Communication Specialist

Spokane Transit Authority
03.2014 - 01.2017

Master of Arts - Urban & Regional Planning

Eastern Washington University (Spokane Campus)

Bachelor of Arts - International Studies & Spanish Language

University of Idaho

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Brandon K. Rapez-Betty