Introducing Derek Kotowski: Transit Superstar and Rodi De Vuono Outstanding Service Award winner

Every year, BC Transit recognizes excellence and celebrates the Transit SuperStars making a positive difference in our regional transit systems across the province. Each winner meets one or more of BC Transit’s five core values: community, customer service, innovation, teamwork and trust & respect.

Each week, one of our latest winners is being profiled on the Hub and on the BC Transit social media channels. This week, we’re spotlighting Derek Kotowski from the Vernon Regional Transit System!

Derek is this year’s recipient of the Rodi De Vuono Outstanding Service Award. Rodi De Vuono worked for the City of Nelson for more than 20 years, which included several years as the Garage and Transit Superintendent. Rodi was a passionate and caring leader who took extreme pride in the quality of work from his team. Rodi De Vuono lost his battle with cancer in 2012, and he is still greatly missed by family, friends and coworkers.

Derek has been working for First Transit in Vernon since March of 2014. His positive attitude, drive to learn and leadership abilities made him the obvious choice for the Lead Hand, a role he took on after just six months with the organization. Derek is a hard worker that leads by example. He carries out his Lead Hand duties to a high level while also doing his fair share of the mechanic work on the fleet.

Derek stays on top of industry trends by completing his ow research, communicating with peers, and keeping in close contact with fleet inspectors. His father and grandfather were both mechanics, and when asked he said ‘I never even thought of doing anything else’.