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Ron Lewis to head Sound Transit’s Design, Engineering and Construction Management Department

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Sound Transit has named Ron Lewis as Executive Director of Design, Engineering and Construction Management (DECM). Lewis, whose work with the agency began in planning the first light rail segment now operating between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport, will serve at the helm of an aggressive system expansion program.

“Ron’s exemplary leadership, mastery of complex projects, and ability to find practical solutions command respect throughout the industry,” said Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. “His insights and proven abilities make him precisely the leader we need to guide transformative projects across the region to the finish line.” 

Lewis, who has been serving as interim executive director, will report to Deputy Chief Executive Officer Kimberly Farley. 

“I look forward to leading our talented and successful team in delivering light rail, bus rapid transit and expanded Sounder service to our growing cities,” said Lewis. “I’ve always viewed transit as a great equalizer — public infrastructure that connects more people to jobs, education, health care, and the many amenities and opportunities that our region has to offer. Playing a role in making this happen remains a great honor for me.” 

Lewis has 20 years of experience at Sound Transit, first as a consultant on early light rail planning and design starting in 1998. He joined Sound Transit as a DECM staff member in 2002, providing management oversight of several divisions, including project development, project control, real property, and community outreach. Over the years, he advanced through positions of increasing responsibility, from Airport Link Project Director and Interim Project Director for the Angle Lake Extension to Executive Project Director for the $3.6 billion East Link Extension.

Sound Transit’s largest capital project to date, East Link consists of 14 miles of light rail and ten stations serving four cities. The project requires management of seven active construction contracts and is approaching the half-way mark on schedule, due in large part to Lewis’ adept leadership and collaboration with local jurisdictions and communities. 

Prior to Sound Transit, Lewis worked in the private sector as a Light Rail Corridor Manager and Supervising Transportation Planner at WSP (formerly Parsons Brinckerhoff), as a Project Manager and Senior Transportation Planner with the City of Seattle, and as a Transit Planner with King County Metro.

Lewis earned a Master of Science degree in transportation planning and engineering, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning, both from the University of Washington.

Lewis has served on committees with Leadership Tomorrow, King County, and Franklin High School, and was recently the recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Washington State Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO).

Photo of Ron Lewis: https://www.flickr.com/photos/90475346@N05/44273292005/in/album-72157666566468937/