Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has appointed David Leininger as its Interim President and CEO, effective May 4. This marks Leininger’s return to DART, where he previously held the same position from 2020 to 2021 and served for nine years as the Chief Financial Officer.
The agency is currently conducting a nationwide search for a permanent leader following the termination of Nadine Lee, who chose not to renew her contract.
Leadership Transition
Leininger’s appointment comes as DART seeks to maintain stability during this transitional phase. Randall Bryant, Chairman of the DART Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Leininger’s ability to lead the agency effectively. “David’s steady leadership, industry expertise, and collaborative approach will ensure continuity of service and maintain the agency’s focus on delivering safe, reliable, and efficient transit for the North Texas region,” Bryant stated.
Leininger himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead once more, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing transit options and improving the customer experience. “Together, we will remain focused on providing dependable transit options, enhancing the customer experience, and advancing the agency’s mission to connect people, places, and opportunities across our region,” he remarked.
Background on Leadership Changes
This leadership transition follows a period of scrutiny for DART, with Lee having led the agency since 2021. Her decision to step down stemmed from challenges in negotiating a severance agreement after her contract ended. In an interview, Lee noted the political hurdles faced by DART during her tenure, suggesting these obstacles hindered the agency’s progress in improving services.
She referenced significant political challenges in the region, particularly regarding local elections and differing opinions on taxpayer spending. Upcoming withdrawals from DART by areas such as Addison, Highland Park, and University Park highlight the complexities of these issues. Initially, Plano, Farmers Branch, and Irving were also set to hold similar elections but decided against it after DART promised changes to its governance and financial returns to the cities.
