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

A recent generation New Flyer Electric Bus
Managementby StaffMarch 4, 2026

NFI Group Officially Opens New Flyer All-Canadian Build Facility in Winnipeg

The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.

Read More →
Photo of public transportation system with APTA logo.
Managementby StaffMarch 4, 2026

APTA: Surface Transportation Funding Delivers 5:1 Economic Return, Supports 41,400 Jobs per $1B

The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.

Read More →
A photo of rail tracks in Ottawa, Canada

Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency

On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of World Cup soccer ball.
Managementby StaffMarch 3, 2026

FTA Invests $100M to Strengthen Transit for 2026 World Cup

The funding will ensure communities can expand transit options to meet increased demand for services around stadiums.

Read More →
ENC's John Obert
Managementby StaffMarch 3, 2026

ENC Names New VP of Transit Sales

John Obert previously served as regional sales manager for ENC since joining the company in June 2025.

Read More →
Disabled and senior passengers on a transit vehicle.
Managementby StaffMarch 3, 2026

New 2026 Plan Aims to Expand Transportation Access Across Virginia

Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility, said department officials.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with text reading "Via Launches Mayors Council to Accelerate Transit Innovation."
Managementby StaffMarch 3, 2026

Via Launches Mayors Council to Accelerate Transit Innovation Nationwide

A new advisory group of current and former city leaders will collaborate on funding strategies, technology deployment, and best practices to modernize U.S. public transit systems.

Read More →
LIT Mentorship Program participants.
Managementby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Latinos In Transit Wraps Inaugural Navigate Mentorship Program,

The LIT Navigate Mentorship Program was launched as a structured, low-cost opportunity for active LIT members, focused on intentional growth, workforce development, mentorship, networking, and education.

Read More →
A WMATA bus at a transit center
Managementby StaffFebruary 27, 2026

WMATA Expands U-Pass Program

Approved as part of WMATA’s Strategic Transformation Plan, the expanded program introduces new pricing and participation options that make it easier for colleges and universities to join and for more students, such as part-time, community college, and graduate students, to benefit from accessible transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover Photo for METRO's People Movement
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 27, 2026

People Movement: New CEO's in Georgia, California

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at Savannah's CAT, California's VVTA, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →