Leaders at Dallas Area Rapid Transit have named general counsel Gene Gamez as acting head of the agency after parting ways with its outgoing leader earlier than expected.
The board of directors on Friday approved a separation agreement with former president and CEO Nadine Lee, who announced last month she is stepping down after four years in the role. DART leaders had initially been in talks to 鈥渢ransition Mrs. Lee out of her position鈥� prior to the end of her contract on Sept. 30, but that no agreement could be reached during talks this past week.
鈥淭herefore, in the best interests of the agency, we have made the decision to terminate Mrs. Lee at this time,鈥� the agency鈥檚 statement said. 鈥淲e are confident that this decision allows DART the ability to move forward with clarity, renewed focus, and a strong sense of accountability as we continue to serve our region and plan for its future.鈥�
Gamez served as assistant general counsel and senior assistant general counsel for DART for 18 years, on the agency鈥檚 website. He was named general counsel in 2019.
Gamez was previously a Dallas County assistant district attorney.
He will lead the agency while the board works on an interim leadership plan and conducts its national search for a new CEO and president.
Lee oversaw the transit agency through some of its most challenging years as member cities sought to change DART鈥檚 funding and governance model.
鈥淲e have really fortified DART鈥檚 foundation and set DART up for success in the future,鈥� Lee told 四虎影院 in a recent interview. 鈥淚 feel good about that because, like I say, the next CEO can take it to the next level.鈥�
Several cities called for elections to withdraw from DART. Three of those cities 鈥� Addison, Highland Park and University Park 鈥� are still holding elections.
DART made a compromise with the remaining cities to return funding contributions and expand the number of seats on its board.
The new CEO will have to face the possibility of a diminished agency with less funding and possibly smaller membership.
Pablo Arauz Pe帽a is 四虎影院鈥檚 growth and infrastructure reporter. Got a tip? Email Pablo at parauzpena@kera.org.
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