Arbor Update

Ann Arbor Area Community News

AATA to negotiate for new CEO

23. April 2009 • Chuck Warpehoski
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The Ann Arbor Transit Authority has just announced that they will begin negotiations with Michael Ford on a contract to serve as AATA’s new CEO.

The press release describes Ford’s background:

Ford, is currently a principal with MG Ford Consulting, based in Camas, Washington which provides organizational development services to businesses. Prior to his current position, he served as chief operating officer and assistant general manager for the San Joaquin (California) Rapid Transit District.

He began his transit career as operations manager with Greyhound Lines in Spokane, Washington, where he eventually served as area general manager. He went on to TriMet in Portland, Oregon, serving as director of operations before being promoted to provide strategic counsel as executive advisor to the general manager.



  1. So I have 2 questions here:

    1. Is it normal to announce that you are negotiating with a candidate before you have an agreement?

    2. Why is Ford no longer with the San Joaquin Rapid Transit District?

    That said, I do think someone with rapid transit experience could be a very good thing.


       —Chuck Warpehoski    Apr. 23 '09 - 06:17PM    #

  2. Anyone who has worked in Portland, Oregon should know transit very well – they have the best and easiest to use system in the world.


       —Leah Gunn    Apr. 24 '09 - 04:42AM    #

  3. Chuck,

    1. Doesn’t seem odd to me.

    2. The AA News reported that he was laid off for budgetary reasons.


       —Steve Bean    Apr. 24 '09 - 08:24AM    #

  4. Go to the Chronicle for a verbatim report of the interview – way to go, Chronicle!


       —Leah Gunn    Apr. 24 '09 - 11:50PM    #