Peter Rogoff will step down as chief executive officer of Sound Transit in the second quarter of 2022 after serving for more than six years.
The Sound Transit Board will begin an executive search following notification by Rogoff that he “did not foresee remaining” after 2022.
“Given the volume and intensity of current and upcoming work and the agency’s needs and interests, the Sound Transit Board has exercised its discretion to proceed immediately to initiating a national search to select the agency’s next successful leader. Now is a strategic time to identify our next CEO ahead of work to open light rail to the Eastside in 2023 and to Lynnwood, Federal Way and Downtown Redmond in 2024,” said Board Chair Ken Keel.
He added, “The board sincerely thanks Peter for his accomplishments leading Sound Transit’s dedicated and talented staff, and for his continuing contributions over the next six to nine months. The Sound Transit Board will soon proceed to forming a search committee and launch our recruitment to identify Peter’s successor.”
In November 2015, when the board announced its decision to hire Rogoff, he noted the success Sound Transit had in delivering transit infrastructure and said he was “determined to expand on that legacy.”
Rogoff’s first large undertaking at the agency was helping shape what became the Sound Transit 3 voter-approved package. The package of projects will ultimately add 62 miles of light rail, expand bus rapid transit, as well add capacity to Sounder train service and other improvements.
Keel says all but one of Sound Transit’s seven major construction projects are on time and performing on or below budget.
“Peter not only helped design the largest transit expansion program in America but convert the agency to one that can deliver on its very ambitious plans. At the same time, he sharpened the agency’s focus on sustainability and improving riders’ daily experiences while advancing equitable access to transit and affordable housing,” said Keel.
Rogoff also led the agency while it revised its fare enforcement policy with an expansion of low-income fares and a pilot project that will utilize fare ambassadors as the agency works to create a welcoming, accessible and affordable service environment.
“Peter’s legacy at Sound Transit includes applying his deep federal experience to help secure critical funding for our region. He has worked closely with our congressional delegation as well as the Obama, Trump, and Biden Administrations to obtain unprecedented levels of federal grant and loan support. He has also ushered in reforms to bring about a more collaborative, disciplined and informed annual budget process, all to the great benefit of Puget Sound taxpayers,” said Keel.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
