EVERETT — Community Transit’s search for a new chief executive officer is going national with the help of a head-hunting firm based in Kirkland.
The transit agency has hired Jensen &Cooper to seek candidates for the job. The deadline to apply is Dec. 31. The board of directors hopes to have a CEO selected by March.
Joyce Eleanor, who led the agency for 20 years, retired in August. Administration Director Emmett Heath has been at the helm during the search process.
Eleanor departed after steering the public transportation provider through a tough period. Agency revenue plummeted during the recession, forcing layoffs and service cuts, including the end of bus service on Sundays.
With the economy recovering, the agency is moving to restore service and in some areas add service next June. Its operating budget for next year will be $116 million, funded by sales tax revenue, fares and grants.
“We’re in great shape right now,” said Bob Throckmorton, director of customer relations for Community Transit. “There are good leaders out there. We want to make sure we get the best person for the job.”
The chief executive officer will report to a 10-member board of directors made up of elected officials from throughout the county and a labor representative. No salary has been established, though Eleanor earned roughly $215,000 a year.
The CEO will manage 525 employees and oversee contracts with First Transit for commuter bus service and with Senior Services of Snohomish County for paratransit service. It operates a 396-vehicle vanpool fleet and Dial-A-Ride paratransit service.
In 2013, the agency carried about 9.1 million passengers, according to agency officials.
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