Sound Transit Names First CEO of Megaproject Delivery

Seattle’s Sound Transit named Terri Mestas deputy CEO, megaproject delivery — a new position created to lead the development of the agency’s concurrent projects quickly and effectively, as well as bring forth ways to accelerate project timelines and reduce capital expenditures.

Sound Transit currently has the largest transit expansion program in the country, including ST3 capital projects totaling an estimated $54 billion. Mestas will start in her new position on April 29.

“I’m excited to be joining Sound Transit at this critical juncture in its transformative capital program,” said Mestas. “The hard work and dedication of the talented staff have been essential to the program’s success to date, and I look forward to working with them in taking the program to the next level in achieving the goals that voters have entrusted to us.”

Bringing Experience to the Role

Mestas is a seasoned professional with more than 30 years of experience leading large, complex infrastructure programs for space exploration, miliary installations, national and international antiterrorism physical security, and innovative project delivery for the aviation industry.

Most recently, she was the chief development officer for the Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA) $30 billion capital improvement program — the largest aviation capital improvement program in the nation.

Prior to her executive leadership role at LAWA, Mestas held several positions for AECOM supporting public and private organizations.

Mestas led the capital improvement program at NASA’s Ames Research Center, which includes Moffett Federal Airfield, a joint civilian-military airport. She also held the position of senior director for capital projects, modernization, planning, design, and construction, at The California Institute of Technology, where she oversaw the development of one-of-a-kind research facilities.