Sound Transit Advances Organizational Strength with Key Staffing Updates

Today, Sound Transit is announcing a series of hiring updates that strengthen the agency’s executive team at an important moment in its history. These experienced leaders will help Sound Transit advance capital projects as quickly as possible, while continuing to drive operational success throughout the agency. 

“This year marks a pivotal chapter in Sound Transit’s history,” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “With major Link expansions reaching completion, our Enterprise Initiative driving long-term financial stability, and preparations underway for the 2026 World Cup, these leadership additions equip the agency to seize the moment and deliver transformational transit investments that will benefit generations to come.” 

Jessyn Farrell joins Sound Transit as Executive Director of Government and Community Relations
 
Jessyn Farrell joined the agency on February 9 as Executive Director of Government and Community Relations. A long-time transit advocate, Farrell brings experience across the public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, including service as a Washington State legislator for the 46th District, Executive Director of Transportation Choices, and most recently Deputy Mayor for the City of Seattle. In her Sound Transit role, Farrell will lead the agency’s legislative engagement and partnership strategies with local, state and federal stakeholders. 

“I’m excited to join Sound Transit at this crucial moment," said Executive Director of Government and Community Relations, Jessyn Farrell. "I look forward to building upon strong partnerships with local and state government partners, ensuring we can continue to expand safe, reliable transit for future generations.” 

Marshall Foster appointed Chief Planning and Development Officer
 
Marshall Foster also joined Sound Transit on February 9 as Chief Planning and Development Officer, a role in which he leads the newly established Office of Planning and Development within the agency’s Executive Department. With more than 25 years of experience in large-scale project planning and development, Foster will help ensure the agency can plan effectively not only for major capital projects but can also deliver an agency-wide strategy for both growing and maintaining a high-quality regional transit system. With the support of the CEO, it will enable the agency to take a proactive role with local partners in maximizing opportunities for place-making and transit-oriented development and evolve and adapt the transit system to changing needs over time. 

“I couldn’t be more excited to join Sound Transit at what is a consequential moment,” said Marshall Foster. “We are building a light rail system that will reshape our region, which brings with it unparalleled opportunities to create vital public spaces and connected communities around the new system. My goal in this new role will be to lift up and align planning functions across the agency – to ensure we are planning for the long-term, creating partnerships that deliver great projects, and make the most of every opportunity to bring benefit to the region we serve.”   

Brooke Belman returns as Agency Deputy CEO
 
Sound Transit is also announcing the return of Brooke Belman as Agency Deputy CEO, effective February 23. A former Sound Transit leader with nearly two decades of experience at the agency, most recently as Interim CEO and Deputy CEO of System Expansion. Among her many accomplishments, she led the development of the agency’s first Equitable Transit-Oriented Development policy, reimagining the program in service of creating transformational affordable housing projects near agency facilities. Belman will support strategic planning, build relationships with the Federal Transit Administration, and co-lead the Senior Leadership Team. Her return brings deep institutional knowledge and trusted leadership at a critical moment for the agency’s capital program and long-term priorities. 

“I’m thrilled to return to Sound Transit and help lead the agency into its next chapter,” said Deputy CEO Brooke Belman. “Sound Transit’s staff is truly among the best in the industry, and it’s an absolute privilege to rejoin this exceptional organization. Working alongside the leadership team, we will advance strategic planning, enhance the service our riders rely on, strengthen partnerships, and deliver capital projects that will shape and connect our region for generations.”