Spokane, WA – After nearly two decades of visionary leadership, Spokane Transit Authority (STA) Chief Executive Officer, E. Susan Meyer will retire at the end of the year.  During her tenure, Meyer transformed STA into a leader in public transit, demonstrated by two successful sales-tax funding ballot measures to improve transit service in the region, as well as spearheading the launch of the region’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, the City Line. Meyer’s successful tenure was guided by her deeply seeded commitment to financial stewardship and excellent customer service to all. Other key accomplishments during her time as CEO included the initiation of STA’s transition to a zero-emission fleet, organizational stability through the volatile pandemic era, and the restoration of ridership in its wake.

“Susan’s leadership spanning nearly 20 years has made STA what it is today. An innovative, zero-debt, financially healthy, and all around rock-solid public transit agency,” said County Commissioner and STA Board Chair, Al French. “Her legacy and community impact will inspire continued agency growth and success.”

The organization’s Board of Directors has commenced a national search for STA’s next CEO, a process expected to be complete sometime in mid-2025.  To ensure operational continuity and continued progress on STA’s new 10-year strategic plan, Connect 2035, the Board appointed two internal executives, Brandon Rapez-Betty and Karl Otterstrom, as Interim Co-CEOs starting January 1, 2025.

Brandon Rapez-Betty, STA’s Chief Operations Officer, brings over a decade of leadership within the agency. Since 2022, he has overseen STA’s operations division, managing transportation services, vehicle and facility maintenance, the rollout of agency’s first forty zero-emission battery-electric buses, including the recently launched City Line fleet, and oversight of the STA Plaza in Downtown Spokane. He has substantial experience in emergency operations management, employee and labor relations, collective bargaining, as well as managing the agency’s key performance measures. His prior role as Chief Communications & Customer Service Officer saw him leading public relations, strategic marketing, business development strategies, and customer service, strengthening STA’s overall community presence and customer engagement.

Karl Otterstrom, Chief Planning & Development Officer, has over 15 years of experience advancing STA’s strategic investments and programs. He has led the development and execution of STA’s comprehensive and strategic plans, leading teams to deliver City Line, expanded service, improved passenger facilities and the creation of new routes, such as Route 4 Monroe-Regal, STA’s busiest route. His expertise spans transit network design, long-range planning, securing and managing grants, and project management. Prior to STA, Otterstrom played a critical role in developing King County Metro’s RapidRide BRT program and securing federal funding for transit innovations.

“For over a decade, Brandon and Karl have worked collaboratively as agency leaders contributing to STA’s success in delivering transformative initiatives, infrastructure improvements, as well as efficient and effective transit service delivery,” said Commissioner French.  “Combined, the skilled partnership and shared servant leadership values will ensure organizational stability and momentum during this leadership transition, reinforcing STA’s commitment to providing innovative and efficient transit solutions for the Spokane region.”   

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Spokane Transit provides public transportation services through fixed route (bus) service, Paratransit service, and Rideshare to the cities of Airway Heights, Cheney, Liberty Lake, Medical Lake, Millwood, Spokane and Spokane Valley, and parts of the unincorporated County.

The organization employs nearly 775 people and is overseen by a 14-member regional board: nine voting elected officials from jurisdictions within the Public Transportation Benefit Area, four non-voting elected officials from area small cities, and a non-voting labor representative.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Carly Cortright, Chief Communications & Customer Service Officer
Email: [email protected]
Office: (509) 344-1879 • Cell: (509) 768-3782