Tashitaa Tufaa is an innovative transportation industry leader who has centered his career around the idea that everyone deserves a safe, reliable and positive transportation experience.
Tashitaa was inspired to found MTN after working for a public school district and seeing a need for better transportation services. Tashitaa is the father of a child with special needs, so he understood the importance of ensuring all riders get transportation services that meet their unique needs.
Tashitaa founded MTN in 2004 with a single van transporting students with special needs to and from school. Today, because of Tashitaa’s outstanding leadership and passion for serving his customers, MTN has grown to employ a workforce of more than 400 talented employees and offer excellent customer service in multiple transportation arenas – school transportation, charter services and consulting. MTN is one of the largest minority-owned private and local transportation companies in the state.
As the CEO and owner of MTN, Tashitaa directs and oversees the company’s operations, strategic direction and leadership team. Known for his outstanding work ethic and commitment to the people he serves, Tashitaa continues to drive a school route to this day in order to stay connected with the heart of his business. He also stays connected to his customers and their needs through frequent visits to client sites and active communication.
Tashitaa’s accomplishments have been recognized by local organizations, agencies and news outlets, including:
Tashitaa grew up in Ethiopia, graduated from college in Zimbabwe and taught social sciences before immigrating to the United States in 1992. He earned his master’s degree in political science and international relations from the University of Minnesota. After graduating, he worked for the Minneapolis Housing Authority and the Minneapolis School District before founding MTN.
Always up for a drive, Tashitaa enjoys taking leisurely trips to visit farms and green spaces in his spare time.