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.