Sound Transit appoints Friend, Arnold to executive roles

Sound Transit announced late last week it appointed Nora Friend chief communications and engagement officer and promoted Russ Arnold to deputy CEO and chief service delivery officer.

In her newly created role, Friend will oversee government and community relations as well as communications, marketing and engagement, Sound Transit officials said in a press release.

Friend most recently was vice president of public affairs and business development for Spanish high-speed train manufacturer TALGO Inc., where she worked since 1994.

“Nora brings deep national-level experience collaborating with local and state stakeholders in the Pacific Northwest to congressional delegations in [Washington, D.C.]," said Sound Transit CEO Julie Timm. "Her leadership will push greater transparency in [our] communications and trust-building with our riders and communities."

In his newly created role, Arnold will oversee the rider experience throughout Sound Transit's network as well as external system operations and maintenance. He joined the transit agency in 2018 as its first chief customer experience officer, leading numerous changes to system wayfinding, accessibility strategies and fare compliance.

Arnold previously was the director of marketing and communications for the San Mateo County Transit District.

“Russ’ proven experience driving internal change to elevate passenger-first values ... is essential to building the trust of our riders and to the successful activation of Link extensions over the next several years,” Timm said.