About Marie
Marie Gress, LMSW-Macro was named WAVE Executive Director, effective November 1, 2023. Prior to her appointment, Marie served as the Interim Executive Director at WAVE since May 2023. During her first year at WAVE, She has spent a lot of time on administration, technology, and helping foundations and donors understand the micro and macro benefits of supporting public transportation, especially in our rural community. This lead to in increase in ridership, over 9,000 additional rides, and raised an additional $500k (many sources include recurring increases).
Marie brings extensive experience in overseeing transportation services, securing grants, board development, and non-profit management throughout Washtenaw County.
Currently, Marie chairs the Washtenaw Commission on Aging, co-chairs the Healthy Aging Collaborative, and co-chairs the NASW-MI Gerontology Workgroup.
She previously served as an interim Executive Director at the Dexter Senior Center, where she led the search for a new Executive Director and provided valuable training and coaching to the successful candidate. Her leadership within the Washtenaw County Commission on Aging and Washtenaw County Healthy Aging Collaborative has resulted in significant system improvements and increased financial support for the sector, particularly in addressing transportation challenges in the county.
Her collaborative efforts with AAA 1-B and Oakland County have extended beyond the region, facilitating discussions with transportation providers to secure county ARPA funding and support.
Photo of Marie Gress courtesy of Ursula Hoppe, Hoppe Photography