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Craig Davison joins Sound Transit as Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs

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Former senior marketing director for Microsoft's Xbox will focus on continuing ridership growth

Sound Transit today welcomes Craig Davison as its new Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs.

"Craig will play an important role in continuing to increase ridership on Sound Transit trains and buses while we work to deliver more than 30 miles of light rail extensions," said Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl. "His experience spans all facets of marketing, including traditional media, retail, direct and social media programs. His successes have also included ensuring that customers are heard and reflected in products and services. I am excited to add his savvy and leadership skills to our Executive Leadership Team."

Davison brings 18 years of integrated and strategic marketing experience to Sound Transit. He was previously Senior Director of Marketing within Microsoft's Xbox Division (2001-2013), most recently leading marketing for Xbox Live, the gaming and entertainment service that grew to over $3 billion in annual revenues during Davison's tenure.  Earlier he worked as Brand Director for Sierra Entertainment (1998-2001), a $100 million video game developer; and for Weber Shandwick (1997-1998), a global public relations agency.

"With strong year-over-year gains in ridership, Sound Transit's importance to moving people and the region's economy will keep growing in the years ahead," Davison said. "I'm looking forward to applying my leadership experience in marketing to connect potential riders with compelling reasons to ride, and will also focus on strengthening relationships with current riders and people who are helping to shape the future expansion of mass transit."

Davison's roles include overseeing marketing, creative services, customer outreach, media relations, public information, and programs for involving the public in deciding where the regional transit system expands.

Davison is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Business and a U.S. Army veteran who served in the 1990 Gulf War. He succeeds former Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs Ron Klein, who will retire at the end of the week.

"Over the last five years Ron helped launch Link light rail and led Sound Transit toward an intensified focus on customers and building ridership," Earl said. "His leadership has been a big factor in our strong ridership growth, including the double-digit increases we've seen each year on Link. We thank Ron for making Sound Transit the final stop in his accomplished career."