Joni Earl named Sound Transit Executive Director

Joni Earl was unanimously named Sound Transit Executive Director on Tuesday. The vote by the Sound Transit Board of Directors followed an extensive process that included a nationwide search. Earl has been Sound Transit's Acting Executive Director since January 2001.

"It was a great step forward taking the interim off Joni's title," said Dave Earling, Chair of the Sound Transit Board. "Joni is clearly an outstanding candidate who has done excellent work for Sound Transit the past six months."

He also praised Earl's management style, consensus building approach to solving problems and close work with board members.

"I am so excited," said Earl, "This is an awesome responsibility. Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and deliver the services mandated by the voters in the 1996 Sound Move election."

The Search Committee of the Sound Transit Board of Directors recommended Earl on Saturday following interviews with three other finalists.

Earl joined Sound Transit in October 2000, as Chief Operating Officer. Her prior positions include more than eight years as Deputy County Executive for Snohomish County, WA, reporting to the County Executive. She also served as City Manager of Mill Creek, WA, from 1987 to 1992 where she was responsible for all city operations. Prior positions include Director of Internal Management and Chief Fiscal Officer for Kitsap County, WA.

Earl received a BA in Business from Washington State University in 1975. She completed her MBA from University of Puget Sound in 1982. She has completed executive programs at the University of Colorado and Harvard University. She also attended Olympic Community College where she received an AA in 1973.

As Executive Director, Earl has overall responsibility and authority to direct and manage the agency.

Voter-approved in 1996, Sound Transit is working to implement a three-county regional transit system plan known as Sound Move. Along with ST Express, Sound Move includes Sounder commuter rail and Link light rail.

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Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound.