PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Board of Directors of Aroostook Regional Transportation System, Inc. is pleased to name Lisa Smith as its executive director.
“Lisa has been part of the ARTS team since 2022,” Debra Jacques, ARTS Board chair, said. “She began as mobility manager and most recently served as interim executive director. In these roles, Lisa has raised awareness of ARTS programs and services across Aroostook County and strengthened relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, employers and other regional partners. The Board of Directors looks forward to working closely with her in this expanded leadership role.”
Smith has also been active in compliance initiatives with the Maine Department of Transportation and has successfully secured grant funding to support several important ARTS programs and priorities, including Cancer Transportation, the Aroostook Workforce Connector and staff and driver training.
Throughout her work at ARTS, Smith has focused on collaboration and finding solutions to transportation barriers faced by residents of rural Maine. She understands the important role transportation plays in helping individuals access healthcare, maintain employment, remain independent and stay connected to their communities.
“What I appreciate most about ARTS is the people,” Smith said. “We have an incredibly dedicated and compassionate staff who go above and beyond every day for the people we serve. Transportation can be a significant barrier in rural Aroostook County, and I am proud to be part of an organization that works every day to find solutions and help people remain healthy, independent, and connected.”
As executive director, Smith looks forward to continuing to strengthen ARTS’ partnerships, expand awareness of available transportation resources, pursue opportunities that enhance services, and work alongside staff and the Board of Directors to meet the changing transportation needs of the region.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve ARTS in this new role,” Smith said. “I look forward to building on the work already being done, supporting our employees, strengthening our partnerships and continuing to make transportation more accessible for the communities we serve.”
Aroostook Regional Transportation System provides public transportation services throughout Aroostook County and portions of Penobscot and Washington counties, connecting residents with healthcare, employment, essential services, and their communities.
Aroostook Regional Transportation System, Inc. is a nonprofit public transportation provider committed to providing safe, reliable and accessible transportation services to residents of northern and eastern Maine. Through community transportation, workforce transportation, mobility management, and specialized transportation programs, ARTS works to reduce transportation barriers and increase access to essential services and opportunities.
