Latest news with #DowConstantine
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dow Constantine named Sound Transit CEO with $450K salary
The Brief King County Executive Dow Constantine has been selected as the new CEO of Sound Transit. Constantine was chosen from a pool of 60 applicants after a comprehensive selection process. His contract runs through Dec. 2026, with an annual base salary of $450,000 per year. SEATTLE - The Sound Transit Board of Directors has selected King County Executive Dow Constantine to serve as the agency's next CEO, effective April 1. According to a Thursday press release, Constantine, who has led King County since 2009, was chosen after a comprehensive selection process that reviewed 60 applicants from around the world. Dave Somers, Chair of the Sound Transit Board and Snohomish County Executive, emphasized that Constantine's experience would allow him to "hit the ground running" and guide the transit agency toward its regional goals. What they're saying "He has proven his ability to oversee large organizations, run a major transit agency, and maintain crucial partnerships locally, regionally, and nationally that will be necessary to complete the central spine," Somers said. "Our economy and environment will benefit from the success of Dow and Sound Transit." Constantine expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, highlighting his long commitment to building a world-class transit system in the region. What they're saying "It is an honor to be chosen as the next CEO of Sound Transit," Constantine said. "Much of my service as an elected official has been devoted to building the world-class transit system our region has long needed and creating vibrant, transit-connected communities throughout Central Puget Sound. I can think of nothing I would rather do than lead this agency into the future, and I thank the Board for their vote of confidence." Before becoming King County Executive, Constantine served on the King County Council and in the Washington State Legislature. He is a three-time University of Washington alumnus, holding postgraduate degrees in law and urban planning. What's next Constantine's contract runs through December 31, 2026, with the possibility of two one-year renewals. His base salary will be $450,000 annually. Interim CEO Goran Sparrman will continue his role as an advisor to Constantine until May 2, 2025. The Source Information for this article comes from a Thursday press release by Sound Transit. Trump announces Boeing will build Air Force's future fighter jets Top aide for WA Gov. Ferguson resigns over workplace complaints, report Seattle police arrest man accused of more than 20 bank robberies Here's where Seattle renters are relocating Seattle's Capitol Hill Block Party announces 2025 lineup, changes to event Could Bryan Kohberger's autism defense for capital murder set a precedent? To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dow Constantine officially named Sound Transit CEO, with hefty $450K salary
This story was originally posted on A critical Washington agency that has faced a series of technical problems, closures, and safety issues will have a new leader at the helm. King County Executive Dow Constantine was officially named the new Sound Transit CEO Thursday and will earn a whopping $450,000 a year salary. 'For every large organization, time is money, and we don't have time or money to waste delivering on the promise of a truly regional mass transit system,' Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair, said via a news release from Sound Transit. 'Dow can hit the ground running and intimately knows the inner workings of Sound Transit. He has proven his ability to oversee large organizations, run a major transit agency, and maintain crucial partnerships.' Constantine combats conflict of interest claims However, the decision hasn't come without controversy. Constantine beat out over 60 other candidates, including four who are chief executives of other U.S. transit agencies. Critics pointed to the fact that Constantine appointed many members who participated in the decision-making process, which was also panned for being too secretive. But Constantine responded, telling The Seattle Times the CEO selection process is supposed to be confidential. He added that Sound Transit and its attorney confirmed there was no conflict of interest as long as he recused himself, which he said he did. 'It is an honor to be chosen as the next CEO of Sound Transit,' Constantine said via the release. 'Much of my service as an elected official has been devoted to building the world-class transit system our region has long needed and creating vibrant, transit-connected communities throughout Central Puget Sound. I can think of nothing I would rather do than lead this agency into the future, and I thank the Board for their vote of confidence.' Constantine's new role comes as Sound Transit has faced month-long service disruptions and several violent incidents that occurred onboard trains and on platforms. Yet, Sound Transit Vice President and King County Council member Claudia Balducci is confident Constantine will help build a better system. 'In selecting the next CEO for Sound Transit, as with all the decisions I am called on to make regarding transit, I put the mission of providing great transit at the very forefront,' she said via the release. 'We must get this system built. We must build it as quickly as possible. And we must put the needs of riders first at all times. I support the appointment of Dow Constantine as our next CEO because I believe he is the candidate most capable to lead the agency in the right direction to meet our goals, today and into the future.' Constantine delivers final State of the County address On Wednesday, Constantine delivered his final State of the County address. 'The work ahead is as critical as ever,' he said. 'It is rewarding for me to know the next chapter will unfold on a solid foundation that we have built.' Who will take over as King County Executive? On Thursday, King County Council Members Reagan Dunn and Sarah Perry introduced a motion to appoint Deputy Executive Shannon Braddock as acting King County Executive. 'I have deep trust in Braddock's ability to provide the stable leadership needed to do the work at hand,' Perry said via a news release from the King County Council. 'With this important step of the appointment process in place, I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to ensure we have a steady hand for King County government during this transition.' According to the release, Constantine also selected Braddock as his first choice to serve as interim executive. The council will take up the motion to appoint Braddock at the next meeting on April 1. 'With Dow Constantine's tenure as King County Executive ending, the council must engage in a multi-step process to select a new executive,' Dunn said via the release. 'This motion represents the first step in that process — appointing an acting executive. I am confident that the council will work together as a body to make sure the seat is filled expediently.' However, even if Braddock is appointed, she could later be replaced by another candidate put forward by the council. That person would serve until the results of the general election in November. The council noted this means there could be up to three different temporary holders of the position — an interim, acting, and appointed executive.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sound Transit has found its preferred next CEO. Will he survive a board vote Thursday?
King County Executive Dow Constantine has been nominated to become the next CEO of Sound Transit and could be approved Thursday to lead the regional public transit agency of which he currently sits on the board. Sound Transit announced Monday that the Democrat is the preferred candidate among three finalists under consideration following a search that began with 60 applicants. In a joint statement, the agency board's leadership trio, including Vice Chairman Ryan Mello — the Pierce County executive — said it was 'pleased' to put Constantine forward for a vote. The other board leaders are Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, who chairs the board, and King County Council member Claudia Balducci, who's also a vice chair. 'We are confident he has the knowledge, experience, and commitment to achieve Sound Transit's goals and complete the ST3 package,' the group said of Constantine and in reference to a third phase of capital investments approved by voters. Sound Transit's 18-member board, absent Constantine, will vote on Constantine's nomination during its regular public meeting Thursday. His appointment will require a supermajority vote, meaning that he will need support from 12 of the 17 remaining board members. The estimated $4 billion-plus Tacoma Dome Link Extension will be a key project in Pierce County to be advanced under the next CEO. The confidential search to lead the agency, which maintains a $4 billion-plus budget and constructs and operates transit service throughout Pierce, King and Snohomish counties, was marked in part by criticisms of Constantine's candidacy and concerns over transparency. In February, the Transit Riders Union wrote to the agency's board that Constantine was directly or indirectly responsible for appointing 10 board members and would be tasked as CEO with evaluating a King County government complex project put forward under his leadership as county executive. The letter was reported by The Urbanist. Conflict-of-interest concerns were shared by the grassroots transit-advocacy group, Seattle Subway, which urged the agency to release the full list of finalists and invite public dialogue before any final decision. Sound Transit has said it would not have received as many qualified applicants if they weren't assured confidentiality and that Constantine recused himself from all matters related to the search. The CEO job's publicly advertised salary range is $450,000 to $650,000 per year, although the Seattle Times reported it could be as high as $675,000, which would exceed the $500,000 annual rate of retiring interim CEO Goran Sparrman. Constantine's salary as King County executive in 2022 stood at slightly less than $260,000, according to the Association of Washington Cities. 'Being CEO of Sound Transit is a tough job with many constituencies to serve, and Dow has proven over his career in public service that he can deliver large capital projects, successfully oversee a major transit agency, and foster partnerships across our region that are essential to make Sound Transit function at the highest possible level,' the board's leadership said Monday. The trio called it 'a crucial time for the agency,' citing the need to address operational and maintenance challenges, increased accountability measures and rising financial pressure from inflation and economic uncertainties. 'The search for a new CEO was competitive,' board leadership said. 'The Board started with 60 applicants from around the world and narrowed the field from 15 to 5 to 3 and finally to 1. It was a thorough process with significant public input, vigorous discussions, and multiple panels that included transit riders, disability advocates, other regional transit agencies, and labor and economic development organizations. 'We are grateful to the many board members, agency staff, and community partners who provided valuable insights and have put their time and skills toward making sure we had an extensive and thoughtful CEO search process. We look forward to the Board's decision on Thursday.' The Sound Transit board meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. inside the Ruth Fisher Board Room in Union Station at 401 S. Jackson Street in Seattle. The public may attend virtually. Information on how to participate can be found at and by clicking 'Board meetings.'
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
King Co. Exec Dow Constantine named 'preferred candidate' for next Sound Transit CEO
The Brief King County Executive Dow Constantine could be tapped as the next CEO of Sound Transit as soon as Thursday. Constantine was named a "preferred candidate" for the role, with several local leaders and members of the Sound Transit Board advocating for his selection. Constantine's current term ends Jan. 1, 2026. SEATTLE - King County Executive Dow Constantine could be tapped as the next CEO of Sound Transit this week, the agency announced on Monday. What they're saying Constantine, who previously announced he would not seek reelection in 2025, was named a "preferred candidate" for the role, and could be appointed as soon as Thursday. Constantine has served as the King County Executive since 2009. His current term ends Jan. 1, 2026. The Sound Transit Board of Directors is scheduled to vote on the new CEO appointment on March 27, and requires a supermajority vote at a public meeting. Several local leaders advocated for Constantine's selection in a recent news release from Sound Transit. Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers, Pierce County Executive and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Ryan N. Mello, and King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Claudia Balducci released the following joint statement: "We are pleased to put forward Dow Constantine for a vote of the Board. We are confident he has the knowledge, experience, and commitment to achieve Sound Transit's goals and complete the ST3 package. "Being CEO of Sound Transit is a tough job with many constituencies to serve, and Dow has proven over his career in public service that he can deliver large capital projects, successfully oversee a major transit agency, and foster partnerships across our region that are essential to make Sound Transit function at the highest possible level. We know this is a crucial time for the agency, and there are difficult and complex discussions on the near horizon, along with reforms that will require knowledge and commitment to continue forward. These include operational and maintenance challenges that need to be addressed immediately by an incoming CEO, increased accountability measures, as well as rising financial pressure from inflation and economic uncertainties. As Board leaders, our priority remains delivering on the voter-approved ST3 package, while operating a safe and dependable system. "The search for a new CEO was competitive. The Board started with 60 applicants from around the world and narrowed the field from 15 to 5 to 3 and finally to 1. It was a thorough process with significant public input, vigorous discussions, and multiple panels that included transit riders, disability advocates, other regional transit agencies, and labor and economic development organizations. "We are grateful to the many board members, agency staff, and community partners who provided valuable insights and have put their time and skills toward making sure we had an extensive and thoughtful CEO search process. We look forward to the Board's decision on Thursday." The Sound Transit Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 p.m. The Source Information in this story is from Sound Transit. Deputies shoot suspect in Spanaway, WA 'Happy Face' serial killer nearly confessed brutal murders to WA teen daughter Police investigate DV shooting at Redmond, WA, apartment complex Two teens arrested after shooting at father, son near Kitsap Mall in WA Bobcat or cougar? Magnolia residents report close call with wild cat To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
King County Executive Dow Constantine tapped as Sound Transit CEO with up to $650K salary
This story was originally published on Sound Transit is officially nominating a new CEO, and it's a familiar name to King County residents: Executive Dow Constantine. The Sound Transit Board of Directors made the announcement Monday after having previously named Constantine as a finalist. The board said they picked him out of 60 applicants. 'Being CEO of Sound Transit is a tough job with many constituencies to serve, and Dow has proven over his career in public service that he can deliver large capital projects, successfully oversee a major transit agency, and foster partnerships across our region that are essential to make Sound Transit function at the highest possible level,' Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers, Pierce County Executive and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Ryan N. Mello, and King County Council member and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Claudia Balducci wrote in a joint statement. Appointment process plagued by claims of conflict-of-interest The appointment was not without controversy. The process to pick the next Sound Transit CEO has been criticized as secretive and some have called out a conflict of interest with board members appointed by Constantine being the ones to hire him to a six-figure salary. The Seattle Times reported the transit CEO could make up to $675,000 annually. The board is set to vote this Thursday to appoint Constantine as head of the agency. The 63-year-old already sits on the Sound Transit Board—he'll recuse himself from this week's vote. Constantine is expected to step down from serving as county executive, a position he's held since 2009. Sound Transit faces series of issues The announcement comes as the agency has faced a series of technical issues and closures. In January, MyNorthwest reported months-long service disruptions. MyNorthwest also reported on several violent incidents that occurred onboard trains and on platforms last year. 'We know this is a crucial time for the agency, and there are difficult and complex discussions on the near horizon, along with reforms that will require knowledge and commitment to continue forward,' the statement from officials continued. 'These include operational and maintenance challenges that need to be addressed immediately by an incoming CEO, increased accountability measures, as well as rising financial pressure from inflation and economic uncertainties. As board leaders, our priority remains delivering on the voter-approved ST3 package, while operating a safe and dependable system,' the statement continued.'
