Former FTA Administrator Rogoff recommended as Sound Transit CEO

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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The Sound Transit CEO Search Committee has recommended Peter M. Rogoff, the federal government's third-highest transportation official and former Federal Transit Administrator, as its top candidate to serve as Sound Transit's new leader.

The full Sound Transit Board will consider the recommendation at its Nov. 19 meeting.

“In a competitive field of applicants, Peter Rogoff is the committee’s clear and unanimous recommendation to lead our region in meeting the growing demand for rail and bus service,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine.

Rogoff is under secretary of transportation for policy in the U.S. Department of Transportation and from 2009 until January 2014, Rogoff served as Federal Transit Administrator.

Prior to his Federal Transit Administration appointment, Rogoff served for 22 years on the staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee, including 14 years as the Democratic Staff Director of the Transportation Subcommittee, led by Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey and Senator Patty Murray of Washington.

Current Sound Transit Chief Executive Officer Joni Earl, who has been on medical leave since April 2014, announced plans to retire in the first quarter of 2016. Earl serves on the search committee for a new CEO and Sound Transit said she will facilitate the transition to a new CEO. Deputy CEO Mike Harbour will continue to serve as acting CEO during the transition.

During the past two months, the committee has conducted a national search for a new CEO. Out of more than 190 applicants, an executive search firm narrowed the candidate pool to 13 finalists based on qualifications identified by the committee. The committee unanimously voted on Nov. 17 to interview one candidate from the pool in executive session. To attract a large pool of highly qualified candidates, the committee assured the applicants of confidentiality during the process leading up to identifying a recommended candidate.

The full Sound Transit Board may accept the committee’s recommendation at its Nov. 19 meeting or choose to continue the search process.

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