Sam Desue, Jr., has been appointed to be the interim general manager of TriMet by the board of directors.
Desue is the current chief operating officer and will assume the role of interim general manager on March 6, 2021. The board made the appointment during the regular business meeting on Feb. 24, 2021.
Outgoing General Manager Doug Kelsey announced his retirement in December 2020 and will remain with the agency through March 5, 2021. The search for the next general manager began in mid-February when the TriMet Board of Directors directed TriMet to launch an extensive engagement effort to help inform the hiring process. Desue will lead the agency while the board conducts their search.
“I am honored to serve as TriMet’s interim general manager and I look forward to aiding the agency and the region as we continue to move through this pandemic,” said Desue. “Forward momentum and leadership will be critical during this time of transition, and I will bring a community-driven and consensus-building focus.”
Desue joined TriMet in March 2019 after more than 27 years of public and private transportation experience. He served at three different public transportation agencies in executive level positions. At the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, he served as the interim general manager and deputy chief executive officer, providing strategic leadership. As COO at TriMet, Desue oversees the operational function at the agency, providing executive leadership, strategic direction and operational oversight for four operating divisions and three departments.
Desue is a proud U.S. veteran and served 10 years in the United States Army. He is supported by his loving family and is driven by a desire to connect underserved individuals to economic opportunities.
