METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

King County Metro GM Retires

Terry White joined Metro in 1987 as a customer service specialist and held 13 positions prior to becoming general manager.

King County Metro GM Retires

In 2022, Metro said it was recognized by the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) as the country’s most equitable transit agency in tackling climate change.

Photo: King County Metro

2 min to read


King County Metro executive Dow Constantine announced the retirement of King County Metro GM Terry White, and the nomination of Metro Deputy GM Michelle Allison to lead the agency after White’s retirement at the end of the year.

White joined Metro in 1987 as a customer service specialist and held 13 positions prior to becoming GM.

Ad Loading...

“On behalf of the people of King County, I want to thank Terry White for over 35 years of exemplary service, and especially for leading Metro through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said Constantine. “When Terry was Deputy General Manager, Metro was awarded Best Large Transit Agency in North America. Then, as General Manager, he pushed the agency to lead the world in safety, equity, and sustainability.”

In 2022, Metro said it was recognized by the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) as the country’s most equitable transit agency in tackling climate change. The agency also hosted the flagship conference of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

“It has been an honor to serve our region and to lead our incredibly committed and skilled Metro employees,” said White. “In recent years, I am most proud of our work alongside community members to embed equity and sustainability into Metro’s long-term, strategic planning. The successes of my life and my career are testament to the life-changing potential of transit. Metro has an even brighter future ahead of it and I look forward to seeing it continue to unfold.”

Allison’s appointment is subject to the approval of the King County Council. Allison joined King County 12 years ago and Metro six years ago. As the agency’s second-in-command, she currently oversees Bus Operations, Facilities, Vehicle Maintenance, Marine, and Rail Divisions.

“It’s a great honor to be chosen to lead an agency that is the beneficiary of a supportive region, talented employees, and a true community of riders,” said Allison. “I’m looking forward to further strengthening those relationships as together we ensure transit is everyone’s first choice for getting where they need to go. Meeting our vision of safe, equitable, and sustainable transit demands that we build a workforce that fully represents the communities we serve, and that we work hand-in-hand with riders and neighborhoods to meet their needs.”

Ad Loading...

Ernest Kandilige will serve as interim deputy general manager while a national recruitment is conducted.

More Management

WMATA 7000-series railcars at Navy Yard
Busby StaffApril 24, 2026

WMATA Adopts FY2027 Budget, Boosts Service Without Raising Fares

While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.

Read More →
A WMATA bus underneath a cherry blossom tree
Busby Alex RomanApril 24, 2026

Bus Coalition Leaders Push to Protect Transit Funding in Critical Reauthorization Year

Coalition leaders outline priorities for preserving bus funding, maintaining competitive grants, and ensuring flexibility for transit agencies nationwide.

Read More →
A Community Transit Swift Articulated Bus
Busby StaffApril 23, 2026

City of Everett, Community Transit Advance Transit Consolidation Effort

In the coming months, the parties will develop an interlocal agreement for the city’s annexation into Community Transit’s district. The proposal will be considered by the Everett City Council and the Community Transit board this fall, said officials.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Chicago Transit Authority 7000-series railcar at a snowy station.
Managementby StaffApril 23, 2026

CTA To Upgrade 28 Stations, 14 Bus Turnarounds Under Expanded Improvement Program

A $6.5 million investment will bring station improvements, rider-friendly features, and workforce opportunities as CTA prioritizes safer, more welcoming transit spaces.

Read More →
Diane Cowin, AECOM’s transit market leader for the Americas.
Managementby Alex RomanApril 22, 2026

From Collaboration to Innovation: Diane Cowin on What’s Next for Transit

In this Consultant Roundtable, AECOM’s transit market leader for the Americas discusses how agencies can align teams, manage complexity, and prepare for the next generation of transit infrastructure and service delivery.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with text reading "New Bill to Strengthen America's Transit Workforce."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 22, 2026

New Bill Aims to Strengthen America’s Transit Workforce

Legislation would expand funding for training, apprenticeships, and workforce development as agencies face staffing shortages and evolving technology demands.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Nashville SC mascot poses in front of a purple WeGo Transit bus.
Managementby Elora HaynesApril 22, 2026

Transit Takes Sports Fans Where They Want To Go

In this photo gallery, see how transit agencies and sports teams collaborate to move fans efficiently and enhance the game day experience.

Read More →
An Amtrak Acela train at New York Penn Station
Managementby StaffApril 21, 2026

USDOT Announces $6.7B for Northeast Corridor, Nationwide Rail Upgrades

Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria will prioritize safety; the American family; and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, according to a press release.

Read More →
A group of people pose for a picture outside.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsApril 20, 2026

WeGo Journey Pass Enrollment Reached 10,000 in April

Nashville’s fare-free, income-based transit pilot hits a major milestone, expanding access and reshaping daily mobility for thousands of riders.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A photo of a San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit zero-emission bus.
Busby Staff and News ReportsApril 20, 2026

Recovery and Risk Define the Transit Bus Market in 2025

A 5% rise in deliveries and a surge in zero-emission buses signaled progress in 2025, but high costs, long lead times, and shifting funding priorities continue to cloud the outlook.

Read More →