Nadine Lee, Dallas Area Rapid Transit President and CEO, stepped down from her position, with Gene Gamez named interim CEO. The search for a new president has begun, according to an official DART statement released April 4.
According to the statement, Lee’s contract would end Sept. 30 following Lee’s decision not to renew. The DART board sought to transition Lee out of her position “early enough to afford an incoming President & CEO ample time in their new role to craft an FY27 Budget, enhance our service plan and be prepared for the 90th State of Texas Legislative Session.”
Negotiations continued for a week, but neither side could come to a consensus. As a result, Lee’s contract terminated early.
According to the statement: “We 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.”
Gamez has served as DART’s assistant general counsel for 18 years, according to his bio on the agency’s website.
“We have really fortified DART’s foundation and set DART up for success in the future,” Lee said in an interview with KERA. “I feel good about that because, like I say, the next CEO can take it to the next level.”
Lee’s resignation comes as Addison, Highland Park and University Park move forward with withdrawal elections from DART.
“Those cities still represent a good portion of the revenue that DART collects,” Lee said, expressing concerns even after her resignation announcement in an interview with WFAA. “I think it’s important for DART and for the whole community to understand that even losing one city would be very destructive.”
DART had agreed to a six-year funding compromise after six of the 13 member cities called to sever their relationship with the agency. Under the model, Dallas will no longer have its majority share on DART, and a portion of the sales tax that went to the agency will be returned over the next six years to the member cities.
“Nadine stepped into this role at a very challenging moment for the transit industry and helped guide DART through recovery while setting a clear strategic direction for the future,” Board Chair Randall Bryant said in DART’s initial statement on Lee’s resignation. “Her leadership strengthened operations, improved safety and reliability, and positioned DART to remain a critical mobility partner for the region.”
