NAME: Cyndi Raskin-Schmitt

TITLE: Manager of Communications

BIRTHPLACE:  Dunedin, Florida

EDUCATION:
– BA in Humanities from Eckerd College
– AS in Business Administration (Marketing) from St. Petersburg College
YEARS WORKING IN TRANSIT INDUSTRY: 15
YEARS WORKING WITH PSTA: 15

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY: When I started at PSTA in 1998 I had a squeaky new AS degree in marketing that I was keen to put to good use. I joined the PSTA team an Executive Secretary, and was quickly promoted to an Administrative Assistant. By continually taking on more and more responsibilities and using my love of communications I was able to see my position upgraded to Marketing Communications Coordinator in 2006. When my daughter was just one year old I decided to go back to school to finish my bachelor’s degree. Though there weren’t any advancement opportunities at PSTA at the time, I knew that having my degree would make all the difference in the future. Working full time, and being a single parent to a toddler made my schooling all the more fulfilling when I received my BA in Humanities, with “distinction” (similar to Magna Cum Laude), from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg in 2010. In December 2012, I became the first ever Manager of Communications at PSTA. As our industry and customers continue to change and grow, it will be my responsibility to ensure that our messaging is clearly communicated.

BIGGEST SURPRISE IN MARKETING TRANSIT: That it touches so many different things in our community – jobs, quality of life, and economic development

BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN MARKETING TRANSIT: Remembering to make everything we do about people, not about buses!

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: PTA VP of Outreach at my daughter’s school

PERSONAL BACKGROUND (family, pets, hobbies, pastimes, etc):  I’m a single mom to a delightfully bright 7-year-old daughter. I’m a reader, Pinterest addict, and I love a good sci-fi or cop show.

CHILDHOOD AMBITION: When I was a kid I wanted to be a teacher (I think a lot of kids do!)

INSPIRATION: The opportunity to make a difference in my community inspires me every day. That, and of course, wanting to set a good example for my daughter.

FAVORITE BOOK: The Talisman by Stephen King, plus half the e-books on Amazon

FAVORITE COLOR: Green (And not just because public transit is a “green” product!)

FAVORITE CANDY: Skittles

ANY OTHER RESPONSE/QUESTION THAT YOU’D LIKE TO RESPOND TO:

Just know that all of you make a difference every day in the lives of the public that you serve!