Sound Transit Executive Director Bob White submits resignation

After leading Sound Transit to a successful election in 1996 and five years as Sound Transit executive director, Bob White submitted his letter of resignation this week to Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Earling. "I am grateful for having had the opportunity to help create Sound Transit and proud of what we have accomplished," White said. Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Earling thanked White for his service as executive director. "Under Bob's leadership, Sound Transit progressed from ideas on paper to an agency that is providing bus and train service to people throughout the region. We've come a long way with Bob's help," Earling said.

White's 25-year career in transportation and public policy was honored last year as the winner of the prestigious James R. Ellis Regional Leadership Award. In his resignation letter, White said his experience with Sound Transit has been extraordinarily rewarding both personally and professionally, and that he's leaving with a very real sense of accomplishment with the successful implementation of Sounder commuter rail and ST Express bus service. White said his decision was based on his belief that new leadership, unencumbered by past issues and decisions, is needed to position the agency to restore
public confidence to succeed with the Link light rail project.

Earling said a process for selecting a new executive director and when the resignation will be effective will be discussed at Thursday's regular Sound Transit Board meeting. Chief Operating Officer Joni Earl is expected to serve as acting executive director until a replacement process is determined, and White said he would remain available to assure a successful transition for the new executive director. Voter-approved in 1996, Sound Transit is on track to implement a three-county regional transit system plan known as Sound Move. Sound Move is a seamless blend of three transportation systems: Sounder commuter rail, running 82 miles from Everett to Tacoma/Lakewood; Link light rail, a 21-mile system connecting the cities of Seattle, Tukwila and SeaTac and a 1.6 mile system in Tacoma; and Regional Express, featuring 18 new ST Express limited stop, long-haul bus routes and numerous improvements to transit centers, park-and-ride lots and HOV lanes throughout the region.

For general Sound Transit information please visit the Sound Transit Web site at www.soundtransit.org/, or call or write for more information at Sound Transit, Union Station, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104, 206-398-5000 or toll free 1-800-201-4900.