(The Center Square) – Sound Transit CEO Julie Timm has announced her departure from the agency after 16 months in the role.
With her departure, Timm could receive a severance pay equal to one-year’s base salary and retirement benefits, the cash value of any unused accrued paid time off, plus health benefits for one year. Timm’s annual base salary is $375,000, according to her contract.
The Center Square reached out to Sound Transit to confirm whether or not Timm was eligible for the severance pay despite an early resignation, but the agency did not respond.
On Tuesday, Timm announced in an email to Sound Transit employees that she will be leaving the agency to return to the East Coast and take care of family matters.
Timm’s final day with Sound Transit will be Jan. 12, 2024.
During her 16 month stint, Sound Transit saw the Tacoma Link extension to Hilltop open, new fare compliance policy that issues violations to passengers found to be riding repeatedly without proof of payment, delays to the Seattle to Tacoma light rail extension, and a new single-day boarding record with an estimated 115,600 boardings on July 11.
“Her focus and leadership in centering current and future riders in the agency’s capital and operating programs will benefit the region for years to come,” Sound Transit wrote in a statement.
The Board of the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit approved an agreement to employ Timm as Sound Transit’s chief executive officer from Sept. 26, 2022 through the end of 2025.
Prior to her role at Sound Transit, Timm served as Chief Development Officer for WeGo Public Transit in Nashville, Tenn. from 2016 through 2019.
The Board of the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit and staff leadership will now form a transition team. The board is expected to appoint an interim CEO in the weeks ahead, according to a press release.
