Paul Ballard will be joining the organization as the new Interim Transportation Director effective, Monday April 29. Jessica Morris will continue to serve as the Assistant Director of Transportation.
Ballard is a nationally recognized transportation executive who led transit systems in Fort Worth, Nashville, and St. Louis, among others, prior to his retirement in 2019. He has experience in major infrastructure projects, staff development, and employee retention strategies. Following his retirement in 2019, Ballard discovered a demand for interim leadership in public transportation and has held interim positions in Denver, Fort Worth, and North San Diego County.
“I look forward to having Paul Ballard serve as our Interim Transportation Director,” says Debra Campbell, “His experience and knowledge will support the department as we search for a permanent Transportation Director. I would also like to share my appreciation for Jessica Morriss’ dedicated service in managing the responsibilities of both Interim Director and Assistant Director over the past four months.”
“Asheville is an opportunity to make a difference in my own community, where I’ve chosen to raise my family over the last twenty-eight years,” Ballard said. “Given that, and the knowledge, openness and professionalism I’ve seen at the top of Asheville’s management structure, I simply could not resist bringing home some of the things I’ve learned along the way.”
The City Manager’s Office is actively recruiting for the City’s next Transportation Director and hopes to have the permanent position filled later this summer.