SEATTLE, Wash., September 28, 2021 – Sound Transit Board Chair Kent Keel today issued the below statement following the Board’s decision to begin a search for a new chief executive officer to succeed Peter Rogoff after he steps down in the second quarter of 2022:
After more than six years serving Sound Transit and our region, CEO Peter Rogoff recently informed the Board and me that he did not foresee remaining in his role beyond the end of 2022. Given the volume and intensity of current and upcoming work and the agency’s needs and interests, the Sound Transit Board has exercised its discretion to proceed immediately to initiating a national search to select the agency’s next successful leader. Now is a strategic time to identify our next CEO ahead of work to open light rail to the Eastside in 2023 and to Lynnwood, Federal Way and Downtown Redmond in 2024. Peter has agreed to remain in his position until the second quarter of 2022 to assist in an orderly transition.
The Sound Transit Board is grateful to Peter for all his contributions supporting the realization of the largest transit system expansion in the nation. Upon his arrival in early 2016 he worked with the Board and communities across the region to help shape and earn voter approval for the Sound Transit 3 Plan while simultaneously leading efforts to advance major light rail expansions to the east, north and south. At present, all but one of Sound Transit’s seven major construction projects are on time and performing on or below budget, putting the agency on a very solid path to nearly tripling the size of its light rail network over just the next three years while it continues to advance further expansions.
Peter not only helped design the largest transit expansion program in America but convert the agency to one that can deliver on its very ambitious plans. At the same time he sharpened the agency’s focus on sustainability and improving riders’ daily experiences while advancing equitable access to transit and affordable housing.
Peter’s legacy at Sound Transit includes applying his deep federal experience to help secure critical funding for our region. He has worked closely with our congressional delegation as well as the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations to obtain unprecedented levels of federal grant and loan support. He has also ushered in reforms to bring about a more collaborative, disciplined and informed annual budget process, all to the great benefit of Puget Sound taxpayers.
The Board sincerely thanks Peter for his accomplishments leading Sound Transit’s dedicated and talented staff, and for his continuing contributions over the next six to nine months. The Sound Transit Board will soon proceed to forming a search committee and launch our recruitment to identify Peter’s successor.
Content Source: Sound Transit Press Release
