By Scott Sullivan
Editor
Interurban director Phyllis Yff is retiring.
The 10-year transit authority head announced her decisions last week thanking the community for its support and vowing to assist finding and helping establish her replacement.
“This service,” Yff said in a letter to The Commercial Record (Page A4) “has been a wonderful asset in our community since 1980, and I know our incredible staff will be successful in keeping the bus service going well into the future.
“I’ll still be in the community and I’m looking forward to having more time to spend with family, traveling, golfing and volunteering,” Yff said.
The Interurban furnishes low-cost, on-demand transportation to Saugatuck, Douglas and Saugatuck Township and enters 2024 with a building expansion/remodel project in the works, among other plans.
The director oversees a 20-person staff operating and servicing a fleet of six buses and two vans.
A six-member board — two representatives from each served municipality — now seeks a qualified director candidate who can oversee personnel, capital and operating grant processes, budget preparation and monitoring; plus assure compliance with all state and federally legislated laws.
Strong communication and computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office, are desired also. Experience and knowledge in accounting and public transportation are preferred also.
A complete job description is available at saugatuckinterurban.org. Applications and résumés must be received no later than Feb. 13.
Yff started with the Interuban as accounting assistant 17 years ago, then was assistant director for four years before replacing founding director Cheri Giller in the top position.
“My sincere thanks,” said Yff in her letter, “to the Interurban family — staff, board, riders and community — who have made my 17 years here a time of growth, friendships, opportunities, challenges and adventures.”