Summary

The Metropolitan King County Council gave its approval to the appointment of Rob Gannon to lead Metro Transit.

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today gave its approval to the appointment of Rob Gannon to lead Metro Transit. Gannon, appointed by County Executive Dow Constantine in October, now formally serves as the General Manager of one of the most heavily used transit systems in the nation.

“As our region continues to grow, Metro needs effective and bold leadership to tackle the challenges we face in providing a robust and effective transit system,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott. “In his 5 years with King County, most recently as Metro’s Interim General Manager, Rob Gannon has proven that he is the strong leader we need to take Metro into the future. I join the enthusiasm for Rob’s appointment and confirmation.”

Gannon will direct the 10th largest transit agency in the U.S., a system responsible for transporting almost 400,000 passengers on a daily basis.

“I thank the County Council for unanimously approving my appointment of Rob Gannon as Metro’s next General Manager. As our region grows, so does demand for transit. Rob is the right person to lead the agency in this time of tremendous change and opportunity,” said County Executive Dow Constantine. “Whether it’s integrating Metro service with Sound Transit and other partners, or making sure bus shelters are clean and welcoming, Rob will lead the effort to ensure Metro’s customer service is second to none. He will take the best transit system in the nation and make it even better.” 

As Metro GM, Gannon will also oversee accessible services for people with disabilities, commuter vanpools, and alternative services in communities where regular bus routes aren't the best solution for local transportation needs. Metro also operates Sound Transit's Link light rail and most of its Regional Express bus service in King County under contract.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Rob in his capacity as interim General Manager, as I’ve found him to be knowledgeable, responsive, transparent, and committed to customer satisfaction,” said Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski, chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee. “I look forward to working with Rob to ensure that Metro Transit continues to invest in and prioritize additional service for underserved communities, enhanced passenger and driver safety, and an aggressive shift toward a zero emissions/carbon-neutral fleet.”

“I'm deeply honored to lead this outstanding transit agency and am grateful to the Council, the County Executive, and the Transportation Department Director for the trust they have placed in me,” said Gannon. “Metro's role in the community is essential for connecting people with jobs, school and services. We are focused on meeting today's demands and also preparing a foundation for expanding those services to meet the needs of the region for years to come.”

Gannon was appointed Interim General Manager in March when Kevin Desmond left Metro to direct the transit system in Vancouver, B.C. Prior to his appointment, Gannon had served as Metro’s Deputy General Manager from 2013-2016, and Human Resources Manager for the King County Department of Transportation from 2011-2013. County Executive Dow Constantine nominated Gannon as the permanent GM on October 25.