Randy Clarke presided over his final meeting as the head of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) on Monday (May 23), according to the City of Austin’s public transit agency, per his Twitter account.
Clarke is leaving the state capital to helm the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in Washington, D.C. as its new general manager and CEO.
“Today was my last @CapMetroATX Board meeting,” the outgoing CapMetro CEO tweeted. “It was emotional as I’m so proud of this amazing organization [and] know [its] future is bright. It was an honor [and] privilege to be on this team and all we have accomplished.”
Austin CBS affiliate KEYE reported that among the things squared away at Clarke’s last meeting was the approval of the extension of engineering agreements pertaining to Project Connect, which seeks to introduce light rail to Austin.
The amount of affordable housing to be built within walking distance of new bus and rail routes factors into what CapMetro will build in the future, per KEYE.
Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported that the agency tabbed deputy CEO Dottie Watkins as its interim CEO.
“Congrats to my friend @dottiewatkins for being appointed interim CEO,” Clarke tweeted. “She has my full confidence and support leading @CapMetroATX.”
A nationwide search for a permanent CEO will be conducted, according to KXAN.
Clarke also urged his soon-to-be former employer, the city, and the Austin Transit Partnership to meet at least once a month to make sure all three entities see eye to eye during what he called a critical time ahead, per KEYE.
As head of WMATA, Clarke will earn a $485,000 annual salary.
