DART Taps Nadine Lee as New Chief

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Nadine Lee, incoming President and CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Nadine Lee, incoming President and CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Nadine Lee will become the next President and CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) on July 12, succeeding David Leininger, who has served in an interim role since November 2020.

Lee is Chief of Staff of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), where she coordinates programs and services across the nation’s third-busiest transit agency and recently oversaw the Better Bus Initiative, a five-year, $2.1-billion plan to address racial inequities. She joined Metro in early 2016 as Deputy Chief Innovation Officer, leading the development of the agency’s 10-year strategic plan (Vision 2028), before being promoted to her current position in 2018.

With nearly 30 years of transportation experience, Lee has also served the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD), directing the development and implementation of Flatiron Flyer Bus Rapid Transit as well as the Northwest Rail and Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility projects in the FasTracks Program. In addition, she was appointed to the Leadership APTA (American Public Transportation Association) Committee in 2019. A past Director of the WTS International Board, Lee was honored as WTS International Woman of the Year in 2019.

DART Board Chair Paul N. Wageman

“The DART Board is pleased to welcome a leader of Nadine’s caliber and experience to direct the agency during these challenging and exciting times,” DART Board Chair Paul N. Wageman said. “DART is an essential resource for the residents of our region, as well as a growth engine for all of North Texas. Nadine possesses the passion and expertise to grow DART into an even greater, more successful organization, and to create a lasting impact for our customers and local communities.”

“I am honored to be selected for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of dedicated and talented professionals,” Lee said. “I look forward to building on the foundation that has been created here and developing new programs and opportunities for the customers and communities we serve.”

LA Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington

“I appreciate Nadine’s dedication, creativity and commitment to excellence during her years here at LA Metro, and for building a strong Chief of Staff role foundation,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington, who will be stepping down from his position next month and handing the baton to Stephanie Wiggins, presently CEO of Metrolink. “Nadine is the sixth CEO/Executive Director in the last six years to be selected from LA Metro to lead a transportation organization. It is evident that our organizational brand, reputation and thought leadership is in high demand in the transportation industry.”

Lee’s last day at Metro will be May 28; Elba Higueros will assume the duties of Acting, Chief of Staff, beginning June 1.

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