Sound Transit names Harbour acting CEO

Sound Transit's board yesterday named Mike Harbour acting chief executive officer while CEO Joni Earl is on medical leave.

Earl is recovering from surgeries due to a brain injury caused by a blood vessel leakage, Sound Transit officials said in a press release.

"As Joni recovers she has the Sound Transit board's strong support," said Sound Transit Chairman and King County Executive Dow Constantine. "Mike Harbour has our complete confidence in this role to keep Sound Transit on track to serve our region's commuters."

Harbour has been serving as deputy CEO since October 2012.

"Joni is uncertain when she may return, so she supports this board action to keep Sound Transit focused on moving forward," Harbour said. "We are very well positioned to continue making critical investments in the region's transportation system. I am honored to step into this role until Joni returns and want to relay her appreciation for our support as she recovers."

Earl has been Sound Transit's CEO since 2003. Her medical situation was diagnosed in April and she underwent surgery, according to The Seattle Times. She is "recovering well," the paper reported yesterday.