DALLAS, TX — The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors announces the appointment of Nadine Lee as its new President & Chief Executive Officer. Lee, an experienced transit industry leader and engineer who has worked in the transportation industry for nearly 30 years, will assume her new position on July 12.

"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," said Paul N. Wageman, Chairman of the DART Board of Directors. "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."

Before joining DART, Lee served as the Chief of Staff of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). In this role, Lee coordinated programs and services across the nation's third busiest transit agency and led an effort to make bus service more equitable and dependable for residents. Previously, she was the Deputy Chief Innovation Officer in Metro's Office of Extraordinary Innovation where she led the development of Vision 2028, Metro's 10-year strategic plan to improve mobility and quality-of-life for Los Angeles County residents.

"I am honored to be selected for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of dedicated and talented professionals," Lee said. "DART's employees have always demonstrated a deep commitment and dedication to its customers, mission, and each other. 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."

Prior to her tenure at Metro, she led the development and implementation of the Flatiron Flyer Bus Rapid Transit for Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD), a project that produced a 40 percent increase in corridor ridership in its first few months of service. Lee also led RTD's Northwest Rail and Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility projects in the FasTracks Program.

"Nadine's deep knowledge and understanding of how growing transportation choices can improve the quality of life for customers aligns perfectly with DART's long-standing mission," said David Leininger, DART's Interim President & Chief Executive Officer. "I am confident that her distinguished track record of leadership and innovation will ensure the agency's continued success in serving the residents of North Texas."

Lee was appointed to the Leadership APTA Committee in 2019 and is a past Director of the WTS International board. She was also honored as the WTS International Woman of the Year in 2019. A registered Professional Engineer in Colorado and Kansas, Lee received her Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit serves Dallas, Texas, and 12 surrounding cities with modern public transit services and customer facilities. The company's network of DART Light Rail, Trinity Railway Express commuter rail, bus routes, and paratransit services moves more than 220,000 passengers per day across the 700-square-mile service area. DART's mission is to benefit the region by providing a sustainable system of innovative, affordable, reliable, and safe mobility options for riders that enhances the quality of life and stimulates economic development.