Bryan Smith Named New Deputy CEO at TheRide

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has hired Bryan Smith as the new deputy CEO of operations, to replace Dawn Gabay who retired March 3rd after 42 years with the agency.

Smith, who joined the team as of February 27, has been in the public transit industry for over twenty years and has held many positions including bus driver, dispatcher, maintenance, and planner. Most recently, Smith has served as the chief operating officer at the Champaign-Urbana MTD in Illinois. Prior to that, he was with a transit system in Kent, Ohio.

TheRide CEO Matt Carpenter praised Smith on the knowledge he brings to the agency, “We’re very excited to have Bryan join our team. Through our interview process, I was impressed with Bryan’s history and dedication to public transportation and the wealth of knowledge he brings. I’m confident that his onboarding will be a seamless transition and that he is the right person to help our agency continue to grow.”

Smith, has begun to settle into his new role and is eager to begin acclimating himself further with the organization. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with my new co-workers, and am learning a lot in the onboarding process. I’m excited to be a part of such a knowledgeable and dedicated team of people. I look forward to growing with the organization as we work to serve our community. I’m fortunate that I had the chance to work with Ms. Gabay before her retirement and deeply appreciate her insights,” Smith said.

TheRide is also in the process of hiring additional senior staff members. This includes a manager of planning and development, who will replace Chris White who is retiring this June. The organization is also seeking to fill the deputy CEO, finance and administration position, which is a new role within the organization.