WA: Transit Authority Opens Recruitment for General Manager

Intercity Transit, the public transportation agency for Thurston County, Washington, has opened recruitment for a new general manager. The search for a new leader comes following the resignation of Mike Harbour, who held the GM position for 17 years, to take the deputy CEO position at Sound Transit.

The Intercity Transit Authority is working with an executive search firm to lead a broad based recruitment process for the position. The Prothman Company, a Washington-based agency that specializes in public sector executive recruitment, is heading the work.

“We’re pursuing an in-depth search to find the best candidate for an excellent, high-performing organization,” states Martin Thies, chair of the Intercity Transit Authority. “We’re looking for top-notch candidates with strong technical expertise, mature leadership skills, and a proven ability to build teams and work collaboratively across communities.”

Thies indicates that the agency is looking for someone who will embrace the agency’s mission and vision by overseeing quality public transportation services in tight fiscal times and continue to build the organization’s reputation as a leading, forward-thinking system. The American Public Transportation Association recognized Intercity Transit as the top mid-size system in the nation in 2009, and also in 2012 with a rare gold level rating for its commitment to sustainability.

Transit officials indicate that continued population growth, broad community partnerships, an aging population and other demographic trends are all increasing demand for public transportation. Intercity Transit witnessed its highest ridership in the agency’s 32 year history in 2012 with 5.5 million boardings.

Intercity Transit, located in the capitol city of Olympia, employs a diverse workforce of 310 employees and operates a fleet of 102 buses and 230 vanpool vans. The system provides fixed-route, paratransit, and vanpool services as well as several smaller van transportation programs.

“We need a strong visionary to ensure our residents and commuters enjoy the excellent services they’ve grown to expect from Intercity Transit,” states Thies.

Interested applicants should submit materials by April 28. Thereafter, the selection team will review application materials and they anticipate completing finalist interviews in early June.

Ann Freeman-Manzanares, formerly development director and a 20-year senior employee at Intercity Transit, has been acting interim general manager since Harbour’s departure last fall.

“We’re confident Intercity Transit will navigate this transition successfully,” said Thies.