About Us

Senior Staff

Dependable and Accessible Transportation for Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Ft. Meade, Frostproof and Surrounding Areas

Tom Phillips - General Manager

Rhonda Carter - Chief Financial Officer

Ana Ervin - Director of Safety, Security and Training

Paul Simms - Director of Operations

Erin Killebrew-Kinlaw - Director of External Affairs

Marcia Roberson - Director of Regional Mobility Call Center

Jay Steinbauer - Director of Maintenance

Steven Schaible - Director of Human Resources

Nicole McCleary - Director of Strategic Planning and Innovation

Citrus Connection is the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for Polk County. This special program provides subsidized or reduced-price bus passes. We also provide door-to-door service to physically, mentally, emotionally or economically disadvantaged individuals. Call 855-POLKBUS (765-5287) to qualify.

In compliance with the Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan (TDSP), Citrus Connection Paratransit is our call ahead, door-to-door service for those who are unable to use our regular service. This specialized fleet of small, wheelchair lift-equipped buses is currently available to senior citizens, disadvantaged citizens and citizens with disabilities throughout Polk County. The cost of these services is a one-way fare of $2, or co-pay as low as $2. Once the qualification process is approved, requests for transportation can be made in advance at 863-534-5500. (TD requests for service may be subject to service availability). For more information or to see if you qualify for Paratransit service, download the application form at ridecitrus.com, or give us a call at 863-534-5500.

Tom Phillips

General Manager

Chicago’s loss has definitely been Polk County’s gain

Citrus Connection Executive Director Tom Phillips’ arrival in Lakeland from Pace Suburban Bus in Chicago added an innovative approach to public transportation in Polk County resulting in the merger of all the county transit systems while still being a good steward of taxpayer’s dollars.

A Minnesota native, Phillips brings 20 years of transit experience to the table which has already enabled him to increase ridership, reduce operating cost and refund more than $100,000 to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.

Phillips has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of New Mexico and when he isn’t being responsible for the present and future of public transportation in Polk County, he is either serving as a member of the VISTE Board of Directors or at Disney World with his family.

He resides in Lakeland with his wife Michelle and sons, William and Marshall, his dog Benny and guinea pig Starfox.

Rhonda Carter

Chief Financial Officer

Rhonda Carter is Chief Financial Officer at Citrus Connection. In her role as CFO, she leads and provides strategic directions to a team of talented finance professionals and problem solvers covering accounting, accounts payables, grant management, budget, purchasing and government financial reporting.

Rhonda brings over 30 years of experience in the financial accounting and management field, with experience in both the public and private sectors. Her knowledge and vast experience in accounting processes and data analysis makes her a valued asset to the senior management team.

Rhonda is a Certified Government Financial Officer and holds a Bachelor of Sciences in Business Economics from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL.

Originally from Newark, NJ. Rhonda has lived most of her life in the Central Florida area, where she also shares her accounting knowledge by volunteering her time and accounting skills, assisting UBE organization of the Episcopal Church with their accounting needs. Rhonda enjoys traveling and exploring other areas of the country with her husband Michael and listening to jazz.

Ana Ervin

Director of Safety, Security and Training

Ana Ervin, originally from Brazil, graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Centro Universitario UNA and holds an MBA in Strategic Business Management from Faculdade Pitagoras in Contagem, Brazil. She has over 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, and administration, having worked with the government of Minas Gerais in Southeast Brazil. Six years ago, Ana moved to America to start a new life and career in Florida.

Ana joined Citrus Connection in September 2022 as a Human Resources Assistant and quickly advanced to Senior Human Resources Generalist. Ana’s passion for people is evident in her kind and thoughtful actions as she engages in her daily duties. As a resident of Polk County living in Lakeland, Ana is proud of the transportation services Citrus Connection provides in her community.

Through her work in Human Resources, Ana recognized the critical importance of the Safety & Security department to the overall success of the company and the safety of both county residents and Citrus Connection employees. Now, as the Director of Safety & Security, she is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the entire Citrus Connection system.

Ana and her husband Joe have four children and two grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to new places and spending time with her family. Ana is fluent in Portuguese and English, and proficient in Spanish. She appreciates the diversity of the Polk County area.

Paul Simms

Director of Operations

Understanding Citrus Connection Mission statement to be a superior provider of transportation services, Paul Simms as Director of Revenue Services /Training, embraces this role with passion and diligence seeking to fulfill the transportation needs of the communities in Polk County.

If training is required or routes needs to be operated ask Paul. His responsibilities include overseeing the smooth and effective operation of the Fixed Route and Para Transit services throughout the County. Being the product of Citrus Paul has developed his entire transit career at Citrus Connection ascending, numerous roles.

A native of the Island of Jamaica, Paul brings to this role over two decades of experience in the transportation industry. Paul has acquired leadership certification from TransPro-EXC, Disney Institute, State of Florida Department of Transportation. He also has numerous certifications from Center for Urban Transportation Research, Transportation Safety Institute and the National Transit Institute.

When not at work, he likes working out for fun in his garage and cooking up some good Jamaican cuisine.

Erin Killebrew-Kinlaw

Director of External Affairs

There always has to be that one person who can talk to anyone and get things done. We look no further than to Erin Killebrew-Kinlaw, the Citrus Connection Director of External Affairs.

Whether it’s a member of Congress or a rider who needs assistance, Killebrew-Kinlaw is that liaison who does more than just hears what people are saying. She listens.

A Winter Haven native and daughter of Sam and Eileen Killebrew, Erin joined the Citrus Connection team in her role in May of 2015 after serving in the same capacity for three members of Congress.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology with minors in English and Political Science from the University of South Florida. You better watch out. She is also a certified Law Enforcement Officer in the state of Florida.

When she isn’t working, Erin is an avid Cross-Fit enthusiasts working out six days a week. When she has any extra time, you can find her enjoying time by the water.

Marcia Roberson

Director of Regional Mobility Call Center

When the phone rings at the Citrus Connection Regional Mobility Call Center, Marcia Roberson makes sure that the person on the other end of the line knows that everything is being done to make sure that their transportation needs are met.

For more than two decades, Roberson has been part of the Citrus Connection family. She knows from experience with a view from the driver’s seat, the importance of public transportation has in the lives of the residents of Polk County.

In her role as the Regional Mobility Call Center Director, Roberson is responsible for overseeing the dispatching and communication for both fixed-route and paratransit service countywide.

Roberson and her team call center team has a goal to find transportation solutions for all Polk County residents. Whether they are scheduling paratransit or fixed-route trips or referring passenger to other agencies for assistance through other county, state and veterans’ programs.

Originally from Trenton, NJ, Roberson has lived most of her life in Lakeland where she proudly raised two daughters and enjoys her seven grandchildren. When she’s not working, she enjoying family time, sports, relaxing watching HGTV or reading a book.

Jay Steinbauer

Director of Maintenance

If it has wheels and a motor, Jay Steinbauer loves to work on it making him an ideal fit as Citrus Connection’s Fleet Maintenance Director.

Moving up the ranks in our Maintenance Department, Steinbauer has a wealth of talent and experience. He has been named the Florida Transportation Association Technician of the Year and is a graduate of the Center for Transportation Research Bus Master Technician Program. He also graduated from the Universal Technical Institute

Originally from Miami, Steinbauer, an ASE Master Certified Mechanic, has 10 years of transit maintenance experience where he developed a keen eye for detail and quality work.

When he’s not overseeing the maintenance of the ever-growing Citrus Connection fleet of vehicles, he enjoys spending time at racetracks, offshore fishing, and spending as much quality time as possible with his wife Logan and son, Braxton.

Steven Schaible

Director of Human Resources

Steve Schaible comes to Citrus Connection with a diverse background making him a perfect fit to serve as our Director of Human Resources.

A Human Resource Professional with over 20 years of diversified experience in Hospitality, Manufacturing, Utilities and Child Welfare, Schaible uses his experiences to enhance his capabilities to work and adapt in any environment.

All of that makes him an innovative life-cycle solutions professional with the flexibility to adapt and communicate effectively with all levels of our workforce.

With a Master of Science degrees in College and Personnel Counselling and Public Administration, Schaible will oversee Human Resources, support Risk Management, Safety and Security, Training, Employee Relations and Benefits Administration.

Outside the workplace, Schaible, a father of three college students, enjoys volunteering his time to a youth basketball program. When he isn’t playing or coaching basketball, you will find him on the water in the Gulf of Mexico or under the water in SCUBA gear.

Nicole McCleary

Director of Strategic Planning and Innovation

Nicole is an urban planning professional with over 20 years of experience in transportation, transit, and environmental planning. Finding her sweet spot in transit, Nicole consistently asks, “How can we make it better?” Her determination to improve transit for customers has led her to work in both private and public sectors, driving agencies to elevate their delivery of services through strategic initiatives and collaborations with communities.

Committed to improving lives, Nicole applies her social work background to transportation and transit solutions and can often be heard saying, ‘Transit changes lives’. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Wayne State University, Nicole is dedicated to continuously learning about new programs and processes that will improve the value transit agencies bring to their residents and communities.

She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and serves on the Board of The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) for the Central Florida Chapter.

Nicole focuses on making every day a good day, and when not working, Nicole can be found beach hopping along the beautiful Gulf coast beaches, planning the next epic family vacation and binge-watching a great TV series.

Fixed Routes

Bus Systems