The board of directors of Austin, Texas’s Capital Metro has named Randy Clarke, who previously served as the vice president of operations and member services at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), to be the agency’s next president and CEO. At its January 12th meeting, the board authorized its executive search consultants, Krauthamer & Associates, to enter into employment contract negotiations with Clarke, the details of which will go up for a final vote on January 29th.
CapMetro began its search for a new president and CEO after Linda Watson announced her retirement in July of 2017. In selecting a new leader, the agency stated in a press release announcing the decision, CapMetro prioritized candidates’ ability to further its long-term vision, as well as engagement with stakeholders and members of the community.
The transit agency stated that Clarke’s selection was the result of a rigorous and thorough interview process, throughout which members of the public were granted several opportunities to provide feedback on the various candidates.
If his employment contract wins final board approval at the end of this month, Clarke, who also spent years in various positions within the Boston area’s Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), will lead public transportation efforts in a city that is rapidly growing, thanks in large part to young people. Considered among the best cities for recent college graduates, Austin is expected to be home to over 2.2 million by the end of 2018.
