After nearly 20 years of leading the Green River Intra-County Transit System (GRITS), Dan Lanham will retire on August 31 as Director of Transportation for Audubon Area Community Services. Michael Hughes, currently the system’s Assistant Director, will step into the role.
Lanham joined Audubon Area in 2006, overseeing GRITS’ growth from a $3 million budget serving seven counties to a $23 million operation spanning 22 counties in western Kentucky. Under his leadership, GRITS has provided more than 15 million miles of transportation to over 2 million Kentuckians, including elderly, disabled, and infirm residents.
“Transportation is more than just getting from point A to point B — it’s about access, dignity, and independence,” Lanham said. “I’ve been honored to work alongside a team that truly changes lives every day. From expanding our fleet to navigating emergencies like the McLean County floods, GRITS has always been there for our communities when they needed us most.”
Lanham guided the agency through major infrastructure projects, including the recent renovation and enlargement of the ride dispatch center. In 2021, he was inducted into the Kentucky Public Transit Hall of Fame.
“Dan’s leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Audubon CEO Brandon W. Harley. “His vision and dedication have elevated GRITS into a model of excellence in public transit. We are deeply grateful for his service and proud to honor his legacy as he begins a well-earned retirement.”
A retirement reception for Lanham will be held on August 22 from 2-4 p.m. in the GRITS Training Room at 222 St. Elizabeth Street in Owensboro. The public is invited.
Hughes, who brings more than 20 years of management and supervision experience, has spent over a decade in Kentucky’s public transportation sector. His prior roles include Owensboro City Transit Manager, Executive Director of the Paducah Transit Authority, and GRITS Assistant Director.
“Transportation is more than just moving people — it’s about connecting communities and creating opportunities,” Hughes said. “I’m honored to step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation laid by Dan Lanham. I look forward to working with our team to expand access and improve service for the people we serve.”
Hughes is active with the Kentucky Public Transportation Association, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, Owensboro-Daviess County Metropolitan Planning Organization Technical Advisory Committee, and Kentuckians for Better Transportation. He and his family live in Daviess County.
Harley said Hughes’s extensive experience, community involvement, and forward-thinking approach make him the ideal person to lead Audubon’s transportation initiatives into the future.
