University of Iowa’s CAMBUS recognizes Bridget Joers as the 2021 Support Person of the Year. Each year, the Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA) recognizes a driver from each Iowa transit agency for their service to local communities. Support employees - which include dispatchers, trainers, student mechanics, and supervisors - are not eligible for the IPTA award.  Beginning in 2019, CAMBUS has selected a Support Person of the Year to recognize the contributions of the support group, who serve in critical "behind the scenes" roles to keep the CAMBUS transit system operating smoothly each day.

Joers is the third recipient of the Support Person of the Year award. To be eligible for this award, an employee must have served in a support role for the past year and have excellent attendance and work records. The Support Person of the Year award is part of a larger effort to regularly recognize the efforts of CAMBUS employees.

 The knowledge and talents Joers developed to use in the classroom have directly transferred to her work at CAMBUS. She is an invaluable resource to all employees with her immense knowledge about CAMBUS training. She is an exemplary trainer who understands and adapts to each trainee to set them up for success in their role at CAMBUS. 

Joers noted that the communication skills she developed as a transit operator trainer at CAMBUS have translated directly to her student teaching experience. 

"Since safety and following a set procedure is so important when teaching a trainee how to drive a bus, I learned how to give clear, concise, and direct feedback. This has helped me in the classroom [in providing] specific and direct instructions [to the students]. While student teaching this past semester, I had a fun time trying out different teaching styles and testing out the things I learned in my various leadership roles I've had on campus."

In addition to new hire training, many at CAMBUS know Joers as the face behind CAMBUS' many video training resources and CAMBUS news segments. She has elevated training and safety content for employees with her proficiency in video editing and overall creativity. 

"Anyone that's met me would agree that I like to think outside the box. I aim to make the videos something that people will enjoy watching: something that is short, gives useful information, and keeps attention" stated Joers.

Joers also embodies what it means to be part of a team. She is always willing to take on projects, collaborate with others, and help with training shifts. As a member of the support team, she leads by example and consistently goes above and beyond to further the skills and knowledge of employees, in turn setting them up for success and creating a positive work experience.  

"I am thankful to work at a place that cares about its employees and is constantly recognizing and showcasing them. I cannot stress this enough; it is an utter joy to drive a bus. Even after years of driving the same routes every day, I still look forward to my big bus shifts" says Joers. 

Please join us in congratulating and thanking Bridget Joers for her work with the CAMBUS Training and Safety department!