King County Metro Confirms New GM

Michelle Allison, nominated by executive Dow Constantine to lead King County Metro, was unanimously confirmed by the King County Council, according to the agency's news release.

Allison was previously deputy general manager and now becomes only the second woman to lead Metro. She is leading Metro as it celebrates its milestone 50th anniversary in 2023.

When nominating Allison in December, Constantine praised her “deep knowledge of our agency, tremendous care for our employees, and a demonstrated commitment to working with community members to co-create a brighter future.” 

Allison joined King County 13 years ago and Metro six years ago, where she oversaw the bus operations, facilities, vehicle maintenance, marine, and rail divisions. She formerly held roles with the Bread of Life Mission, the Seattle Children’s Museum, and EnviroIssues.

“Michelle Allison embodies the practical hopefulness that Metro needs as we seek to recover and thrive in the wake of the pandemic,” said Dave Upthegrove, King County Council chair. “I couldn’t be more proud to support her as Metro’s new general manager. With her experience both at King County and in multiple roles with Metro, Michelle has a fundamental understanding of the crucial role her agency plays in keeping our region moving forward. She has shown commitment to Metro’s employees and the people of King County who they serve and I’m excited to work with her in this new role.”

During Allison’s tenure in Metro’s GM’s office, she worked to embed equity and sustainability into the agency’s long-term service and vision documents.

“While we never fully know what the future holds, I am certain that transit is integral to King County’s bright future,” said Allison. “Only transit allows our region to grow and preserve without adding congestion or pollution. We safely connect people to education, to health care, and to jobs across ability, age, background, identity, and income. And we seek to be a workforce that fully represents the communities we serve at all levels, and to be an agency that works hand-in-hand with riders and neighborhoods to meet their needs.”