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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Nickels Names Top Administrator As Seattle Transportation Director
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
1/17/2002 10:00:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
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Nickels Names Top Administrator As Seattle Transportation Director
SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels today named Grace Crunican, one of the region's top transportation administrators, as his choice to head Seattle Transportation. Seattle Transportation oversees all operation, and maintenance activities of the city's roadway system with an $117 million annual operating budget and more than 600 employees. The department is specifically responsible for streets, bridges, traffic signals, bicycle routes, walkways, landscaping and other elements of the transportation system.
"Grace brings great depth, breadth, and experience to Seattle," said Nickels. "She is an agent of change that will help us to deliver the transportation services that the people of our city deserve. She has experience at the highest federal and state levels, as well as in local government."
Crunican most recently headed her own consulting firm, and previously managed the 4800-employee Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). While at ODOT, she led the department through the creation of Community Solution Teams around the state, implementation of livability objectives into transportation planning, and the integration of practices that protect endangered species and the environment into transportation operations. During her tenure, traffic fatalities were reduced and a customer focus was implemented across all programs. ODOT has a biennial budget of $1.8 billion.
"I am particularly pleased with this choice. Grace Cruncian knows how to maintain the confidence of communities and ensure that their voices are heard," said City Council member and Transportation Committee Chair Richard Conlin.
Crunican brings experience at the federal level in the start-up of rail projects. As Deputy Administrator at the Federal Transit Administration, she managed a $4.6 billion budget, 475 employees, and ten regional offices. In that role, she shaped and negotiated 13 New State Rail Projects worth over $3 billion, and was instrumental in crafting a more transit-supportive federal agenda.
As Deputy Director and Capital Program Manager for The City of Portland Transportation Office, she increased the department's dedicated transportation funding and oversaw a $90 million budget.
Crunican is a northwest native and holds a Bachelor's Degree from Gonzaga University and a Master's in Business Administration from Willamette University.
"I have had the privilege of tackling some of the region's major transportation challenges. Delivery of services, including infrastructure and rail service, are common themes. Mayor Nickels has demonstrated his confidence in me, and I plan to honor that confidence," said Crunican.
Crunican has been nominated to replace Daryl Grigsby, who headed the department for five years, and resigned in November. Crunican's appointment is subject to City Council confirmation.
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Mayor’s Office
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