People on the Move: Amtrak, Spokane Transit Authority, TriMet

Amtrak, Spokane Transit Authority (STA) and TriMet have made new appointments to their respective leadership teams. 

Amtrak 

Jennifer Mitchell has been named executive vice president of strategy and planning for Amtrak. She will be responsible for setting the long-term strategic vision for Amtrak and managing the planning, infrastructure access, state partner, network development and host railroad functions.  

“Jennifer has tremendous experience in the railroad industry and private sector that will be instrumental as we continue to grow and expand intercity passenger rail during this time of unprecedented demand,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “She’s the right person to lead our planning and strategy as we work to double our ridership by attracting more riders, serving new communities and transforming passenger rail.”   

Mitchell has an established career in transportation, having most recently served as deputy administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration and previously as director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).  

While at DRPT, Mitchell played an instrumental role in developing the Transforming Rail in Virginia program, expanding capacity in the fast-growing I-95 corridor. Before these roles, Mitchell held various positions managing transportation development projects and earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in planning.  

Mitchell started her role at Amtrak on Dec. 2, succeeding Dennis Newman, who is retiring.  

STA   

The STA Board of Directors has appointed two internal executives, Brandon Rapez-Betty and Karl Otterstrom, as interim co-CEOs starting Jan. 1, 2025, to take over leadership for STA CEO E. Susan Meyer who will retire at the end of the year. The interim co-CEOs will help to ensure operational continuity and continued progress on STA’s 10-year strategic plan, Connect 2035. 

The organization’s board of directors has launched a national search for STA’s next CEO, a process expected to be complete sometime in mid-2025.  

Rapez-Betty, STA’s COO, brings over a decade of leadership within the agency. Since 2022, he has overseen STA’s operations division, managing transportation services, vehicle and facility maintenance, the rollout of agency’s first 40 zero-emission battery-electric buses, including the recently launched City Line fleet and oversight of the STA plaza in downtown Spokane, Wash. He has experience in emergency operations management, employee and labor relations, collective bargaining, as well as managing the agency’s key performance measures. His prior role as chief communications and customer service officer saw him leading public relations, strategic marketing, business development strategies and customer service, strengthening STA’s overall community presence and customer engagement. 

Karl Otterstrom, chief planning and development officer, has over 15 years of experience advancing STA’s strategic investments and programs. He has led the development and execution of STA’s comprehensive and strategic plans, leading teams to deliver City Line, expanded service, improved passenger facilities and the creation of new routes, such as Route 4 Monroe-Regal, STA’s busiest route. His expertise spans transit network design, long-range planning, securing and managing grants and project management. Prior to STA, Otterstrom played a critical role in developing King County Metro’s RapidRide BRT program and securing federal funding for transit innovations. 

“For over a decade, Brandon and Karl have worked collaboratively as agency leaders contributing to STA’s success in delivering transformative initiatives, infrastructure improvements, as well as efficient and effective transit service delivery,” said Spokane Commissioner Al French.  “Combined, the skilled partnership and shared servant leadership values will ensure organizational stability and momentum during this leadership transition, reinforcing STA’s commitment to providing innovative and efficient transit solutions for the Spokane region.”   

TriMet 

TriMet named Claire Khouri as its first chief of strategy and planning on Nov. 27, 2024. Khouri brings to TriMet more than 20 years of experience in public policy and leading collaboration to build out strategy, technical systems and infrastructure. She will work within the agency on regional projects such as the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program and 82nd Avenue Transit Project as well as ongoing major initiatives to grow transit ridership and transition to a zero-emissions bus fleet. 

“As TriMet’s chief strategy and planning officer, Khouri will be essential in identifying and implementing agency-wide initiatives and programs that help us better serve our riders and our region,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “Her transit, policy and leadership experience will guide our strategic vision for the years to come especially around our infrastructure needs and partnership opportunities.” 

At TriMet, Khouri will lead strategic planning and development, with oversight of TriMet’s planning department and engineering and construction and public affairs divisions. She will also oversee the agency-wide program to move to a zero-emissions bus fleet. 

“This role will combine my history in both transit operations and capital projects as well as my passion for tackling challenges, finding common ground and efficiencies and using data to inform thoughtful decision-making,” Khouri said. “I love public service. I’m one of those people who needs to wake up and do something I believe in everyday that provides service to my community and my region and I’m excited to join the TriMet team that does just that.” 

Khouri comes to TriMet from Sound Transit in Seattle, where she worked since April 2018. She served as deputy executive director of portfolio management and integrity in Sound Transit’s portfolio services office for the past three-and-a-half years. In that role, Khouri worked on streamlining and optimizing processes for building out Seattle’s light-rail system and delivering safe and reliable transit service. Prior to her latest role, Khouri served as Sound Transit’s chief of staff of operations, acting as a key strategic advisor and facilitating strategic partnerships with other agencies. 

Khouri holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in public administration from University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.