Sound Transit names Dow Constantine CEO

Sound Transit's board yesterday approved the hiring of Dow Constantine to serve as the Seattle transit agency's next CEO.

Currently the county executive of King County, Washington, Constantine will begin his new job on April 1. He was elected King County Executive in 2009 and has been serving a record fourth term. He is a former member of the King County Council and the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives.

Constantine's initial term as CEO will run through Dec. 31, 2026, with options for two successive one-year renewals, according to 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 locally, regionally, and nationally that will be necessary to complete the central spine," said Sound Transit Chair Dave Somers in a press release.

The board’s action followed the recommendation of its executive committee, which solicited input on priorities and reviewed 60 applicants from around the world, 15 of whom were interviewed.

Constantine has extensive experience leading large transit agencies, namely King County Metro, one of the largest agencies in the United States. As member of Sound Transit's board since 2006, Constantine has been involved in the successes and challenges of the agency during an unprecedented period of growth, Sound Transit officials said.

Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman will continue to serve as acting CEO or as an adviser, as requested by Constantine, until May 2.