Description
Chief Executive Officer
Link Transit
Wenatchee, Washington
Salary: $185,000 - $220,000
The Wenatchee Valley, located in north central Washington, enjoys an abundance of recreational opportunities surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cascade Mountains, the Columbia River and more than its fair share of sunshine. The area is thriving, evident by a steady increase in population, and a strong, diverse economy. With an urban area consisting of 80,000 people, the region offers the perfect balance of larger-city amenities with the relaxed and friendly environment of a smaller town. The Valley’s economy remains connected to the Seattle Metro area, a two-and-a-half-hour drive, or a short 20-minute flight away. Spokane and the Tri-Cities are also a two-and-a-half-hour drive away, putting almost all of Washington State within a morning’s trip.
Headquartered in Wenatchee, Washington, Link Transit is the public transportation agency for Chelan and Douglas Counties, serving a population of about 130,000 people in a service area of approximately 3,500 square miles. The agency has a 2026 operating budget of $33,636,403 and a capital budget of $15,451,385, and currently has approximately 215 employees. The Chelan-Douglas PTBA (Link Transit) Board of Directors consists of 12 voting members who are local elected officials and one non-voting labor representative. Link Transit operates fixed-route and paratransit service seven days a week, and as of July 2022, is a zero-fare system for most services. In 2025, fixed-route ridership totaled 1,304,073 annual boardings. Link Transit operates from a transit center in downtown Wenatchee and has a maintenance and operations base just north of Wenatchee. The transit fleet currently includes 32 full-size battery electric vehicles and a total of 119 revenue vehicles.
Under the guidance of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides leadership in the overall operation of the agency, assuring the delivery of cost-effective, consumer-responsive, and efficient transportation services in accordance with board policies and directives, and serving as the primary liaison with elected officials, business leaders, media representatives, and other community groups within the two-county district. The CEO exercises executive authority over agency strategy, governance support, and organizational performance; directs long-range service planning, policy development, and fiscal stewardship; ensures alignment with board directives and legal and funding requirements; oversees capital and operating budgets; represents the agency in intergovernmental and public forums; resolves complex management issues; and serves as the principal link between the board and agency leadership.
Education & Experience: Any combination equivalent to a bachelor's degree in transportation planning or management, public administration or related field, and at least five (5) years of progressive senior/executive leadership experience in a public transit agency. Experience as an acting General Manager/CEO or experience as chief executive officer of a public transportation agency is highly desirable. Relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
Benefits include, but are not limited to: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug insurance. Life insurance, and short-term and long-term disability insurance. Six (6) paid holidays, plus four (4) floating holidays. Washington PERS. 32 days of general leave; number of days increases with longevity.
For a complete position profile, full job description and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. Link Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by March 15, 2026. (First review, open until filled.)