Snohomish County, Wash. – The Community Transit Board of Directors today named Emmett Heath as Chief Executive Officer of the Snohomish County public transportation agency 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,” said Community Transit Board Chair and Mill Creek City Councilmember Mike Todd. “This is an important time for the agency to move forward on our vision for improved transit services throughout the county.”
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,” said Heath. “This agency is hiring more drivers and ordering more buses, and we are going to need a new long-term funding source to get us to the next level. Resource advocacy, operational excellence and customer satisfaction are among my highest priorities.”
Heath identified several strategic focus areas for the agency:
“I have been honored to work for a great company that cares about its customers and its employees,” said Heath. “As CEO, I am highly motivated by the goal of contributing to a valuable legacy for future generations.”
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. He and his wife live in Arlington.