The Paint Creek Trailways Commission, an intergovernmental agency that owns and operates the 8.9 mile recreational Paint Creek Trail, is proud to announce the hiring of Melissa Ford as the Paint Creek Trail’s new manager. Ford’s responsibilities as Trail Manager include overseeing the maintenance of the Trail, managing Trail development projects, grant administration, and leading updates of the Trail’s Recreation Master Plan.
Ford replaces Kristen Myers, who served as the Trail’s manager for more than fifteen years. Myers recently left the Trail to take a position with the Six Rivers Land Conservancy as their new Development Specialist.
Through her role as Trail Manager, Ford hopes to increase volunteer activity on the Trail, develop new programming opportunities, and raise public awareness of the Trail through social media and other outreach initiatives.
“I look forward to working with the Paint Creek Trailways Commission, the Friends of the Paint Creek Trail volunteer organization, and the surrounding communities to make improvements on the Trail and to provide our users with an enhanced educational recreation experience,” said Ford.
“Melissa’s background will serve her, our trail, and the public well in her role with the Paint Creek Trail, said Dr. David Becker, Chairman of the Paint Creek Trailways Commission. “She will be part of a great team, one that is passionate about the trail and committed to its growth and success for the residents of Southeast Michigan. I am delighted that she is with us and anticipate that our already well-loved trail will benefit from many new ideas under her leadership. We are truly fortunate to have her aboard.”
Ford is a longtime resident of Lake Orion and an alumna of Albion College and Loyola University Chicago who has worked nearly her entire career in the nonprofit sector. She comes to the Paint Creek Trail after eleven years at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University where she developed and managed the museum’s archives program, planned and prepared grant proposals for both state and federal funding agencies, and led the museum’s digitization and social media efforts.
Ford’s passion for outdoor recreation and experience in grant writing and administration, nonprofit project management, and community engagement will all serve her well in her new role as Trail Manager.
The Paint Creek Trail was the first non-motorized rail-to-trail in the State of Michigan, and traverses through Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township, and the Village of Lake Orion. For more information visit Paint Creek Trail or call 248-651-9260.