Traverse City, Mich.’s Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) named Mary Marois as its interim executive director. Marois will assume the position Nov. 16, as current executive director Tom Menzel transitions to his new role as the county administrator for Grand Traverse County and BATA’s Board of Directors continues its search for BATA’s new leader.

Marois brings more than 40 years of community and organizational experience with her to BATA, most recently retiring as director of the Grand Traverse/Leelanau Department of Human Services in 2008. She currently is a member of the board of directors for Northern Lakes Community Mental Health, the Grand Traverse Department of Health and Human Services, co-leader of the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Project and is a leading member or volunteer for many other important area community organizations and activities.

Marois also is a past president of the United Way of Northwest Michigan and the National Cherry Festival. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her collaborative efforts particularly related to child welfare issues.