Pierce Transit Vice President Kevin Desmond has been named general manager for King County Metro Transit, the seventh largest transit agency in the United States.

"Kevin brings significant management experience and professional expertise to Metro Transit, " King County Department of Transportation Director Harold Taniguchi said. "His fresh perspective and dynamic leadership will be strong assets as Metro continues to address the many significant transportation challenges facing our region. Kevin is a collaborative problem-solver who excels at building and maintaining strong partnerships. This is essential for success with the full spectrum of government agencies that are working cooperatively to improve our regional transportation system."

King County Executive Ron Sims said Desmond will be a good fit for Metro.

"Kevin is representative of the highly talented, experienced people King County is committed to attracting," Sims added. "The expertise he brings to Metro will maintain its reputation as one of the best transit agencies in North America."

In his position as Pierce Transit Vice President of Operations and Development, Desmond has managed both day-to-day operations as well as policy and service development functions for eight divisions within that organization. Those duties have included managing a staff of 640 employees responsible for local and commuter transit services, paratransit services, safety and training. Desmond has additionally been responsible for carrying out a variety of policy and strategic initiatives as part of the agency’s development efforts.

Prior to joining Pierce Transit in 1996, Desmond was chief of operations planning for New York Transit, which included bus and subway operations. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he served as the deputy director of Mayor Koch's Transportation Office and as assistant commissioner of administration for the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission.

"I am extremely excited to join King County Metro Transit, an agency nationally known for being at the forefront in delivering quality service and innovation," Desmond said. "I am also looking forward to partnering with other agencies to develop coordinated programs that improve customer service, transit technology and transportation services throughout the region."

Desmond will oversee the day-to-day management and direction of Metro Transit, which has 4,600 employees. His duties will include planning and service development, design and construction, bus operations, vehicle maintenance, power and facilities, paratransit/rideshare operations, sales and customer service.