2010 Employee of the Year

Posted on: Mar 02, 2011

(Kansas City, Mo. – March 2, 2011) The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is pleased to announce 30-year Bus Operator Dean Berkley as the 2010 Employee of the Year. Berkley joined the KCATA in 1977 as a bus operator. During his 34 years at the KCATA, he has been honored with many distinguishing accolades including: Employee of the Month award in August of 1989, Perfect Attendance Award 30 times, Safe Driving Award for 30 years, and numerous Distinguished Driver Awards. Berkley has earned the Distinguished Driver Award an astounding 24 times. The Distinguished Drivers Award is an annual award honoring drivers who have no avoidable vehicular or passenger accidents, no chargeable customer complaints, no written violations or suspensions, no missed assignments, no more than one late occurrence and the equivalent of 242 days of driving. Only two other drivers have more than 20 Distinguished Driver Awards, and no one has earned more than 24. KCATA Superintendent Tom Morgan states, “All of his peers and supervisors respect Dean. His record speaks volumes about him. He has achieved ‘outstanding/above average’ level on all his performance reviews. He has also received numerous commendations and no complaints. Dean has not missed any work since the middle of 2005.” Fellow coworkers describe Berkley as “quiet” and “helpful.” He assists student drivers during training classes. Berkley has a good sense of humor and enjoys fixing old cars and spending time with his family. Employee of the Year Dean Berkley is congratulated by Transportation Director Bob Kohler.