MVTA Customer Service director wins state honor

From left, MVTA Board Member Gary Hansen, Eagan, Robin Selvig, Elko New Market Mayor Bob Crawford and MVTA Executive Director Luther Wynder were among those honoring Selvig at the Minnesota Public Transportation Association’s annual awards ceremony.

Robin Selvig, who retired this spring as Minnesota Valley Transit Authority’s manager of customer service, received a Distinguished Career Service award Oct. 16 at the Minnesota Public Transit Association’s annual conference in St. Cloud.

Selvig was an MVTA employee for 22 years, having started with the agency in 1994.

In addition to managing Customer Service, Selvig served as key support for MVTA’s executive director, partnered with vendors for technology and contract management, led successful campaigns such as Stuff the Bus!, and worked with the MVTA Board and consultants regarding MVTA’s Strategic Plan as well as launching new service such as Route 495.

“Robin brought a lot of inspiration and institutional knowledge to MVTA,” said MVTA Executive Director Luther Wynder, who presented the award. Wynder noted that the customer waiting area at Burnsville Transit Station has been named the Robin Selvig Customer Service Center in her honor.

Selvig thanked Wynder and former Executive Director Beverly Miller as well as other MVTA staff members for supporting her during her career.

“I was so fortunate to work at a job that I loved,” she said. “It was a joy to go to work every day. Not everyone – and I realize that very strongly – has that opportunity.”

Selvig said one of her favorite projects to be involved with was last year’s inaugural Stuff the Bus campaign, which resulted in 2.6 tons of food being donated to area food shelves.