DART CEO Nadine Lee to step down after her contract ends

DART CEO stepping down amid uncertain future

The CEO of DART is stepping down as several North Texas cities could leave the service altogether in the coming months. FOX 4's Lori Brown has more.

DALLAS - Dallas Area Rapid Transit's CEO is stepping down.

What we know:

On Wednesday, Nadine Lee informed the DART board of directors that she will not seek to extend her contract when it ends in six months.

The backstory:

Lee has been in the role since 2021.

During that time, DART has navigated the pandemic and opened a new Silver Line. But the transit agency has also fallen under immense scrutiny, with member cities criticizing the partnership and threatening to back out.

A proposal approved by the board in February includes a new governance structure where no city has a majority vote and each city in DART’s service area has a seat on the board. Smaller changes, like how to levy sales taxes on member cities, were also included in the proposal. Those taxes could go back into city projects.

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Plano cancels DART withdrawal election

Plano canceled DART withdrawal elections scheduled for May, the first city to do so before the deadline to cancel.

The cities of Plano, Irving, and Farmers Branch have agreed to the compromise over how DART is governed and funded, canceling their withdrawal elections.

But Addison, Highland Park, and University Park are moving ahead with the votes this May.

What they're saying:

In a statement, Lee said she will remain focused on continuing the agency’s work during the rest of her time.

"It has been the honor of my career to lead this extraordinary organization and to work alongside more than 3,800 dedicated employees who move North Texas forward every day," Lee said. "Together, we navigated one of the most challenging periods in transit history and emerged stronger, more focused, and better positioned to serve our growing region."

Board Chair Randall Bryant thanked Lee for her leadership and commitment to the agency. But he told FOX 4 that Lee's departure could come sooner than six months from now.

"She steered us through the pandemic. We developed a new service plan. We opened up the Silver Line. There are a lot great things that we have been able to accomplish under Ms. Lee's leadership. And I think now is just a great opportunity as we look at new models, our governance model and funding models within the organization. We mutually agree that this was the most opportune time to transition to a new leader," he said.

What's next:

The search for an interim CEO and Lee’s permanent replacement will begin immediately. 

DART plans to use a consultant to conduct a national search for the right leader. Bryant said they will be looking for someone equipped to handle DART's transformation.