Michelle Watkins has stepped down as the director of Rockbridge Area Transportation System so she can devote more time to her positions as executive director of both Rockbridge Connect And Nourish and Valley Area Stretcher Transport.
Following Watkins’ departure from RATS, Jim Manley is serving as the interim director of this organization that provides safe and affordable transportation services in Rockbridge County, Lexington and Buena Vista.
During her time with RATS, Watkins “worked tirelessly to upgrade training, organizational quality and financial sustainability,” according to a spokesperson. “Her leadership in securing numerous grants resulted in expanded ridership, more competitive wages for staff, and left the organization debt-free.”
“Going from serving on the board of RATS to being named as director in 2021 resulted in a journey that has taught me so much about the needs in our community and has been the inspiration behind developing these [other] two new nonprofits,” said Watkins. “I look forward to being able to devote more time to growing [Rockbridge] CAN and VAST, and to letting new leadership continue the growth at RATS.”
Watkins created and developed the nonprofit Rockbridge CAN in 2022 in response to the issues of social isolation, food insecurity and limited access to services which became more pronounced during and after the Covid epidemic. During this process, she initially put together a coalition of 14 diverse community organizations, including The Community Table and Carilion as initial partners, to create the advisory committee for the program, which continues to meet regularly to review progress and identify emerging needs in the county.
Using part-time staff and area volunteers, CAN serves free dinners prepared by area restaurants and caterers at multiple locations throughout rural areas of Rockbridge County on a rotating schedule. CAN has served almost 5,000 meals since its inception. Free transportation has been provided by RATS to those without a way to attend otherwise, and area organizations are present at the meals to offer information about their services and connect with those in need.
In 2023, the Federal Transit Authority identified CAN as the only program of its type in the country, and in 2024, on behalf of the program, Watkins received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Chamber of Commerce serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County.
“Michelle’s determination, never quit attitude, and the fact she puts her heart into serving her community, make her the ideal leader for an organization like CAN.” said chef John Stallard, owner of Chefs Catering and member of the board of directors for CAN.
Watkins created and founded VAST in 2022, which is the only Virginia nonprofit nonemergent stretcher transport service provider based in Rockbridge County, dedicated to providing nonemergent stretcher transportation for individuals in the region. VAST is Medicaid-certified and provides services at significantly reduced costs for patients who need to be transported to and from services by stretcher in nonemergent situations.
“Michelle saw a need for this type of service and she put in the work to make it happen,” said James “JJ” Schindler, president of the board of directors of VAST and a member of the Lexington Fire Department. “Her compassion and energy make things succeed. She is always thinking of her community and how we can come together to improve the quality of life here in Rockbridge County. We are grateful for her tireless energy and look forward to working with her.”
More information about each of these organizations can be found on Facebook and their websites, www.rockbridgecan.org, www.vastretchertransport.org and www. rockbridgetransportation.org.
