Trish Whitney retiring Thursday after 45 years of state service

A familiar face around ITD for the last four decades, Trish Whitney will call it quits Thursday (July 16). Whitney leaves big shoes to fill — shoes that have probably put in more miles on and around the ITD Headquarters campus than just about anyone else during that time, whether it was organizing and taking care of the blood-donation services here, or just plain walking.

Trish was putting in her 10,000 steps a day long before it was fashionable to count them. Along the way, she has touched many lives and made good friends.

“Trish and I have worked together for many years, and we have become great friends,” explained Randy Gill, the department’s PMO Manager.  “She has made many close friends here at ITD, and we will miss seeing her smiling face at the office every day. Trish has always been friendly and helpful to all that those she worked with.”
 
Whitney started with the department as a temp. in Engineering Systems in late 1977, worked with almost all of the districts and divisions in her four decades of service, and coordinated the department’s monthly blood drive efforts for most of the last 30 years. In that capacity, Whitney’s passion led the department to save an estimated 16,200 lives through blood donation.

Through January, Whitney estimated that there were approximately 5,400 ITD employee blood donors in her 360 monthly blood draws.

“Trish has always been involved in the service activities at ITD, including being the Blood Drive Coordinator for the American Red Cross.  She has been responsible for many gallons of donated blood -- including over 26 gallons of her own.  That’s pretty amazing!” Gill said.
 
“You get to meet and work with great people here at ITD, like Trish, that make being here so rewarding,” Gill added. “It will be different around here for many of us, but we all wish her well in her new ventures.”

Editor's Note: As the author of this story, I'm supposed to stay neutral and just report the facts. But in this case, I can't. I will miss her. Anyone that has known Trish during her years at the department will.

Pictured above: Trish in 1977 Transporter - her first day on the job (Nov. 17).

Trish's 45 years of state service include 43 at ITD, and the other two at the University of Idaho right before she started here.

 

Published 07-01-20