Julie Timm, CEO at Seattle’s Sound Transit, announced she will be leaving the agency to return to the East Coast to take care of family matters.

Since joining Sound Transit in September 2022, Timm has overseen a renewed emphasis on the rider experience as Sound Transit approaches the opening of several new extensions, starting with East Link next spring.

Her focus and leadership in centering current and future riders in the agency’s capital and operating programs will benefit the region for years to come, according to the agency.

An Experienced Transit Professional

Timm joined Sound Transit after serving as CEO of Va.’s Greater Richmond Transit Co.

From 2016 through 2019, Timm served as chief development officer for WeGo Public Transit in Nashville. Her efforts included directing development activities and agency staff across functions, including engineering, outreach, customer care, planning, grants, marketing, communications, service quality, and innovation.

She oversaw the implementation of major regional capital projects associated with the more than $6 billion nMotion Strategy the Nashville region adopted in 2016.

From 2012 through 2016, Timm served as transit development officer and Title VI and environmental justice compliance officer for Hampton Roads Transit in Norfolk, Va. She worked with state and local partners and the Federal Transit Administration to manage the capital project and strategic planning processes supporting light rail and other transit projects through approval, funding, and implementation.

From 2000 through 2012 Timm worked in North Carolina in senior positions developing transit, highway, and other projects for Moffatt and Nichol, Carter and Burgess, and URS Corporation.

From 1996 through 2000, she worked as a contract employee, managing projects and programs for the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command Headquarters in Virginia.

Sound Transit’s Next Steps

Timm’s last day with Sound Transit will be January 12, 2024. 

The board and staff leadership will form a transition team to navigate the agency through the leadership transition. The board is expected to appoint an interim CEO in the weeks ahead.