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Don Billen Named Link Transit’s New CEO

May 19, 2026

The Link Transit Board of Directors has named Don Billen as the agency’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026. Billen succeeds Nick Covey, who is retiring after 32 years.

Billen, who has served as Link’s planning manager since May of 2025, was selected following a national search and brings 30 years’ experience in transit planning, capital project development, and regional coordination. His background includes leadership roles at Sound Transit, where he led major system expansions and long-term planning initiatives. His work has focused on bring out the best in employees along with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.

“The Board is grateful for Nick’s leadership and is excited to welcome Don Billen as our next CEO,” said Board Chair Erin McCardle. “Don understands the important role transit plays in connecting people to jobs, healthcare, and opportunities. We look forward to working with him to ensure Link Transit continues to meet the evolving needs of our riders and communities.”

In his new role, Billen will serve as the primary leader of Link Transit, responsible for overall agency performance, staff success, strategic direction, and alignment with Board policies. The role oversees long-range service planning, fiscal stewardship of both capital and operating budgets, and ensures delivery of efficient, cost-effective, and community responsive transportation services. The CEO acts as the key liaison to the Board of Directors, elected officials, and community stakeholders, while managing complex operational, financial, and governance responsibilities in a growing, multi-jurisdictional transit system.

“Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the Link Transit team and learning from employees, guests, and partners throughout the region,” Billen said. “I am grateful for the Board’s confidence and excited to work with an outstanding management and staff team. I want to personally thank Nick Covey for more than three decades of commitment to Link Transit. The impact of his leadership will be felt for years to come.”

“In the years ahead, the Board-adopted strategic priorities give us a clear focus on continuing to grow and improve service in order to better serve the community”, Billen said. “I am committed to Link’s mission of providing safe, reliable and efficient transportation services.”

Outgoing CEO Covey expressed support for the Boad decision to hire Billen.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve Link Transit and the communities we support for more than three decades,” Covey said. “With my retirement coming this June, I am pleased to see a thoughtful transition in leadership and proud to have Don named as my successor.”