The CapMetro Board of Directors announced that Dottie Watkins has been named the interim CEO of CapMetro, following the upcoming departure of president/CEO Randy Clarke.

Watkins currently serves as the agency’s deputy CEO.

“The Board has worked with Dottie for a long time, and we know that she’s behind a lot of success at CapMetro,” said CapMetro Board Chair Jeffrey Travillion. “Dottie has the trust of the community and CapMetro Board. I strongly believe in her leadership skills and know that the community and CapMetro staff will remain in great hands with her as the Interim CEO.”

Clarke announced this month that he has been selected as the next GM/CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority in Washington, D.C. He will begin work there later this summer.

“I fully support the Board’s decision to name Dottie as the Interim CEO of CapMetro,” said Clarke. “She has first-hand transit experience; she’s been with CapMetro for her entire career and has been responsible for multiple aspects of the agency’s business.  She has the respect of staff at all levels at CapMetro, and from countless others in the community, and I know the staff will respond to her leadership direction.”

Watkins started her career with CapMetro as a part-time bus operator in 1994 and has risen through the ranks holding multiple leadership positions within the agency. Prior to her role as deputy CEO, Watkins served as the agency's CCO/COO and, before that, VP of bus operations and maintenance.

“I want to thank the Board for appointing me as the Interim CEO of CapMetro,” said Watkins. “I’m honored to be given this opportunity to lead the great staff at this agency. I know the value that transit plays within Central Texas and it’s important that we keep building on the trust we have with community members and our workforce and continue to provide safe and reliable transit for everyone in the region.”

Watkins is slated to begin her new role this summer.