Paul Ballard hired as interim transportation director in Asheville, N.C.

By Jessica Hughes | City of Asheville, N.C.

Paul Ballard

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Veteran transit executive Paul Ballard has been hired by the city of Asheville, N.C., as its interim transportation director. He will begin his duties April 29.

Ballard led transit systems in Fort Worth, Texas; 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 at Denver RTD, Trinity Metro in Fort Worth and the North County Transit District in Oceanside, Calif.

“I look forward to having Paul Ballard serve as our interim transportation director,” said City Manager 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 Morris’ dedicated service in managing the responsibilities of both interim director and assistant director over the past four months.” Morris will continue to serve as the assistant director.

“Asheville is an opportunity to make a difference in my own community, where I’ve chosen to raise my family over the last 28 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 next transportation director and hopes to have the permanent position filled later this summer.

Daily News Briefing