King County Executive Dow Constantine nominated to become next Sound Transit CEO

King County Executive Dow Constantine has officially been nominated for a new position of leadership in the Seattle area: Sound Transit CEO.

Constantine had announced last fall that he wouldn't seek reelection as the county's top official, signaling the end of his tenure as the longest-serving King County executive.

“Being CEO of Sound Transit is a tough job with many constituencies to serve, and Dow has proven over his career in public service that he can deliver large capital projects, successfully oversee a major transit agency, and foster partnerships across our region that are essential to make Sound Transit function at the highest possible level," Sound Transit board members Dave Somers, Ryan Mello, and Claudia Balducci said in a joint statement.

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"We know this is a crucial time for the agency, and there are difficult and complex discussions on the near horizon, along with reforms that will require knowledge and commitment to continue forward."

Constantine, who currently serves on the 18-member Sound Transit board, was among 60 applicants for CEO, making it through several rounds of consideration before becoming the nominee.

"It was a thorough process with significant public input, vigorous discussions, and multiple panels that included transit riders, disability advocates, other regional transit agencies, and labor and economic development organizations," the board members' statement reads.

In an interview with KUOW last fall, Constantine called voter approval to fund the light rail expansion from Everett to Tacoma in Sound Transit 3 “perhaps the single greatest achievement of my last 15 years,” as chair of the regional Sound Transit board.

He noted that he even sought changes to the U District light rail station design “to make sure they saved the Neptune Theater.”

“I drew out a picture of what could eventually be there on a little scrap of paper when I was sitting in the Sound Transit boardroom with Mayor Mike McGinn," Constantine said. "That’s how long ago that was, and there it is in three dimensions.”

The Sound Transit board is scheduled to vote on Constantine's appointment on Thursday.

Amy Radil contributed to this report.