The Community Transit Board of Directors named Emmett Heath as chief executive officer of the Snohomish County public transportation agency on Thursday, March 5 after a nationwide search.
Heath served as director of administration at Community Transit for 10 years before taking over as CEO in an acting capacity last summer, following retirement of the former CEO.
"With his deep transit experience and ties to the local community, Emmett is well positioned to lead this agency into the future,GÇ¥ said Community Transit Board Chair and Mill Creek City Councilmember Mike Todd in a press release. "This is an important time for the agency to move forward on our vision for improved transit services throughout the county.GÇ¥
Heath is taking control of an agency that is on the rise. On June 7, the agency will resume Sunday bus service, after a five-year absence. Community Transit will also be adding more mid-day and Saturday bus trips for a total 17 percent service increase in June.
"We're back in growth mode. Today, we have every driver and every bus out on the road, yet we know there are still unmet needs in our community,GÇ¥ Heath said in a press release. "...Resource advocacy, operational excellence and customer satisfaction are among my highest priorities.GÇ¥
Heath identified several strategic focus areas:
Resource advocacy GÇô Securing state legislative authority to seek additional local transit funding.
Operational excellence and customer satisfaction GÇô Investing more heavily in the existing bus network and re-engineering an antiquated customer comment process.
Technological innovation GÇô Providing customer information on mobile platforms and using data collection to support cost-effective improvements and coordination with other transit providers.
Capital development GÇô Moving forward with several significant projects including a new Seaway Transit Center near Paine Field, a second Swift Bus Rapid Transit line, a radio system replacement and implementing the next generation of ORCA.
Leadership and workforce development GÇô Positioning the agency for future growth through fiscal discipline, skilled management and successful workforce development so that the agency can continue to have the best workforce delivering the best services.
Regional and local partnerships GÇô Customers expect seamless inter-operation among transportation providers, and close collaboration with local jurisdictions as we all work together to improve our transportation network.
Prior to joining Community Transit, Heath served in executive roles at the Snohomish County PUD and King County Metro Transit for more than 25 years. Heath and his wife live in Arlington.
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