Washtenaw County Representative

Ned Staebler has unique expertise in regional economic development. He serves as both Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and President and CEO of TechTown, the Detroit-based business incubator and accelerator. Staebler leads both
organizations’ efforts to strengthen the region’s neighborhoods, businesses and leaders, with an emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, transit and placemaking.

Previously, Staebler was Vice President for Entrepreneurial and Capital Services at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, providing oversight of the Michigan Strategic Fund Board and the 21st Century Jobs Fund. He also spent a decade in the private sector, helping grow the Helios Group – a tech-based financial services startup – from 30 to 130 employees. He was Associate Director of Bear Stearns’ London office after the investment firm acquired Helios in 2000.

Staebler graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Harvard University and the London School of Economics and Political Science. He joined the RTA Board of Directors in 2018. He brings a business-based perspective and strong ties to leading institutions across the Southeast Michigan region.