Peter Rogoff to lead Seattle's Sound Transit

Seattle’s Sound Transit Board unanimously selected former Federal Transit Administrator Peter M. Rogoff as its new CEO.

“Sound Transit has earned the public’s trust and a nationwide reputation for it success delivering transit infrastructure for the people of Puget Sound,” Rogoff said. “As its new CEO, I am excited and determined to expand on that legacy as we build projects and expand service in all three counties.”

As Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, Rogoff provides leadership in the development of policies for the department, generating proposals and guidance regarding legislative, regulatory and safety initiatives. His work spans all transportation modes, including aviation, highway, rail, transit and maritime transportation. As Federal Transit Administrator, Rogoff negotiated and signed a record number of full funding grant agreements with transit agencies across the nation to expand rail and bus rapid transit infrastructure.

Current Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl, who has been on medical leave, will retire in March 2016 following the opening of the University Link light rail line. Deputy CEO Mike Harbour, who did not apply for the CEO position, will continue to serve as the agency’s acting CEO until Rogoff’s arrival.

While the agency works to complete current voter-approved projects, Rogoff will lead the staff’s work to support the work of the Sound Transit Board in shaping a major Sound Transit 3 package of further regional transit expansions, planned for voter consideration in November 2016.

Board members also praised Earl’s accomplishments at Thursday’s meeting. Since arriving at Sound Transit 15 years ago, Earl has successfully led the agency forward from the 2000-2002 near collapse of plans to build a regional mass transit system. Today, Sound Transit is on track to open more than 30 additional miles of voter-approved light rail extensions by 2023, establishing a 50-mile regional system. Earl’s retirement early next year will coincide with the under-budget and ahead-of-schedule opening of the University Link light rail extension that she took back to the drawing board in 2001.