After nearly a year long search, Translink has finally found its new CEO; Kevin Desmond.
Desmond previously served as the general manager of King County Metro Transit in Seattle, where he managed the city’s transit system which includes buses, trains, vanpools, along with paratransit service. Prior to this role, Desmond was on the east coast and the chief of planning with New York City Transit.
“We look forward to welcoming him as TransLink’s new Chief Executive Officer, and to collaborating in a variety of ways to keep building a transportation network that is more effective, efficient, and customer-focused than ever before,” said Gregor Robertson.
As Translink’s new CEO, Desmond will receive a salary of $365,000, $14,400 annual transportation allowance, a $1,500 monthly housing allowance, and six weeks of vacation according to the original job posting.
Given Translink’s troublesome past, Desmond will have his hands full as the transportation company works to earn the public’s trust.
Compass Card issues are among the top obstacles for Translink at the moment, along with its unpredictable series of SkyTrain shutdowns.
Ian Jarvis, Translink’s former CEO was removed from his position after the failed transit plebiscite, which saw over 60% of respondents across metro Vancouver voting NO to the new tax dedicated to helping fund new major Translink infrastructures.
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