Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) Deputy CEO Dottie Watkins has been named interim CEO by the CapMetro Board of Directors effective this summer. She succeeds departing CEO Randy Clarke who will join Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority as general manager and CEO.
“The board has worked with Dottie for a long time, and we know that she’s behind a lot of success at CapMetro,” said CapMetro Board Chair Jeffrey Travillion. “Dottie has the trust of the community and CapMetro Board. I strongly believe in her leadership skills and know that the community and CapMetro staff will remain in great hands with her as the interim CEO.”
Watkins began working at CapMetro while she was a student at the University of Texas at Austin. The part-time bus driving position evolved into a transit career where she has served as vice president, bus operations and maintenance, chief customer officer/chief operating officer and deputy CEO.
“I want to thank the board for appointing me as the interim CEO of CapMetro,” said Watkins. “I’m honored to be given this opportunity to lead the great staff at this agency. I know the value that transit plays within Central Texas and it’s important that we keep building on the trust we have with community members and our workforce and continue to provide safe and reliable transit for everyone in the region.”
Clarke praised Watkins’ selection, noting her experience and her connection with CapMetro colleagues.
“[Dottie] has first-hand transit experience; she’s been with CapMetro for her entire career and has been responsible for multiple aspects of the agency’s business. She has the respect of staff at all levels at CapMetro, and from countless others in the community, and I know the staff will respond to her leadership direction,” said Clarke.
