By Chad Felton, The News-Herald | Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Lake County commissioners have reappointed three members of Laketran’s nine-member board to serve additional three-year terms.

Mentor resident Mary Bryner has served on the Laketran board since 2013; Operations Committee Chair Donna P. McNamee, of Willoughby, has served since 2001, and has served on the Executive Committee of the American Public Transportation Association; and Madison resident Jean Sency, vice president of resource development for United Way of Lake County, has served since 2011.

All three were sworn in at the transit agency’s board meeting on May 23.

Roles in Laketran’s leadership shifted after Trustee Matthew Armand resigned in April. Paul E. Miller, of Mentor, was elected vice president of the board, and Sency was named chair of the Finance Committee.

“I am very pleased that these three trustees sought reappointment to the board,” said board president Brian Falkowski. “Each of our members brings a professional skill set that advances the needs of Laketran and the trustees all work very well together. I look forward to continue working with each of them on meeting the transit needs of Lake County.”

The Laketran trustees are responsible for the general oversight of the Lake County public transportation system, including the annual budget and fare structure.

Bryner said her term on the board has been a great learning experience, and under the direction of General Manager Ray Jurkowski, Laketran has made great strides to adapt and meet the growing needs of residents in Lake County.

“I’ve gotten acquainted with the management, staff and operations of the agency as well as learning how transit operates globally,” she said. “Prior to becoming a board member I didn’t realize how vital Laketran’s services are to the citizens of Lake County. I look forward to seeing where the next three years will take this outstanding organization.”

Sency said she’s thrilled to remain on for another term.

“I am proud to be a part of an organization that serves the whole community with special emphasis on our seniors and individuals with disabilities,” she said. “I have been able to witness the growth of Laketran’s operation in just a few short years, restoring most services that were lost due to the 2009 economic downturn.

“I’m also proud to see the organization moving forward in our technology so that riders have the information at their fingertips,” she said.