Press release

The Sound Transit Board of Directors has unanimously elected new leaders for the next two years, including longtime board and King County Council member Julia Patterson as vice chair.

“Sound Transit’s challenges are particularly pressing due to the recession’s impact on revenues in South King County. Our transit riders are relying on us for funding solutions,” Patterson from SeaTac said. “I look forward to continuing to work for commuters in South King County and throughout the region.”

The board elected Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy as its new chair.

“I look forward to working with leaders across the region to continue Sound Transit’s track record of delivering major projects and serving thousands of riders each day,” McCarthy said. “Expanding public transit services is critical to ensuring the Puget Sound region has the infrastructure it needs to move people and goods as we attract new investments, jobs and residents in the years ahead. The opportunities ahead of us are great as we work together to navigate the challenges created by the recession.”

The board also elected its outgoing chair, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, to serve alongside Patterson as a vice chair. The leadership changes take effect Jan. 1.