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FEBRUARY 2006

Volume 2, Issue 2

A MESSAGE FROM THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATHANIEL FORD

I feel honored by the opportunity and challenge to lead this exceptional organization. I step into this role with a sense of anticipation and pride and I look forward to what our time together will bring.

As is always the case with a shift in leadership, staff members have questions and anxiety about what changes might come. I am committed to making the change process as open, honest, positive and caring as possible. I believe change is an opportunity when conducted in a transparent and frank manner. Keeping employees informed -- and being sensitive to the culture of the organization -- is essential for change to be effective and to reduce fear and rumor.

Although we have already begun making some adjustments in administration, I do not intend that change will come quickly. I believe in taking time to learn the organization and making slow and deliberate adjustments. What you should also know about me is that I place a high value on communication, honesty, integrity, team spirit and a strong sense of organizational pride. These principles will guide my decisions as we work to craft organizational changes.

I encourage each of you to keep focused on the services you perform daily that keep this organization running. Stress and distractions can make this difficult. As you are aware, during my first days here there were several unfortunate incidents that brought us negative attention. I know these are exceptions and not representative of the work of the MTA. We must acknowledge the challenges and attention that being a visible public agency brings, but not be discouraged or diverted from our mission. It is clear to me that the employees of the MTA are experienced professionals, dedicated to providing exemplary service to all our customers.

I am also aware that MTA has seen many changes in the last few years. Although we can point to many outward signs of an increasingly successful DPT/Muni merger; badges, letterhead, the consolidation of many staff into the 1 South Van Ness building, we are still at the beginning stages of thinking of ourselves as one organization. The integration, and the task of preserving the unique identity of both organizations, continues to be before us.

As we work together, I will support the values of teamwork and organizational pride through fostering communication, commitment and accountability at all levels of the organization. The personal traits of honesty, straightforwardness, and excellence will be the foundation of the service we provide at the MTA. I believe that together we have the ability to continue our example of excellence not only in San Francisco, but well beyond. You have my personal commitment to work with each of you in making this goal a reality.

 

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