Meet Jude
Jude Kiah is the Director of Go West Transit and the Western Illinois University Bookstore in Macomb, Illinois.
Jude undertook the creation of Macomb's fixed route public transportation system in 1997. Since its operational inception in 1999, Go West has grown from 3 buses, 2 routes, and 6 employees, to 30 buses, 17 routes, and 103 employees. It is now the largest rural bus system in the United States (by ridership), and has been the most cost efficient system in the state of Illinois for 6 consecutive years.
Go West was a recipient of the 2008 FTA national award for success in enhancing ridership, and a 2010 recipient of the APTA national Gold Award for excellence in safety and security.
In January 2009, Jude took on the additional role of directing the University Bookstore at Western. Since then, the bookstore has moved much of its total retail presence online, created a full textbook rental option, and increased apparel sales over 50%.
Jude began his career in 1993 at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA in student services. He moved to Western Illinois University in 1995 to work in Western's Residence Life program.
Jude is also a professional speaker and business consultant for regional and national organizations in the topics of customer service, supervision, leadership, team building, and life management. He serves on the faculty of Western Illinois' Supervisor training program.
He holds bachelors degrees in Political Science (1991) and Secondary Social Studies Education (1992), and a Master’s degree in Social Science (1993) from Potsdam College of the State University of New York. He also holds a Finance MBA (2002) from the business school at Western. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Business Administration (Management).
Jude is an active basketball official, an avid Yankee fan, and enjoys public service, home improvement, entrepreneurship, and spending time with his family. He lives in Macomb with his wife Renee, their children Aaron and Addie, and their Springer Spaniels, Kate and Haley.