Brian de Place

About Brian de Place

My entire career has been dedicated to city building—a tireless, deeply creative endeavor that shapes daily life across Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region. As a public servant and transportation leader, I’m committed to continuous improvement, transparent service delivery, and equity in implementation.I foster team cohesion and shared ownership, while holding myself and my organizations accountable when community commitments aren’t met. I excel at shaping strategy, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and translating policy into high-impact operational outcomes.These strengths have enabled my accomplishments:» RESPONSIVE TRANSIT SOLUTIONS:When pandemic and construction delays threatened the safe operation of a light rail extension, I led a nimble, cross-agency team to overhaul the operational plan. We delivered an innovative storage and maintenance system that met ridership demand in weeks—not years.» TRAFFIC AND CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION: As Seattle’s economy boomed, traffic congestion rose. I was hand-picked to establish the DOT Construction Project Coordination Office. I mediated the interests of elected officials, union reps, private developers, and other stakeholders to prioritize the rush of public and private activity and satisfy everyone\'s needs.» PERMITTING REFORMS: In partnership with small business owners, I launched Seattle’s Public Space Management Programs—initiatives that legalized and streamlined outdoor cafés, people streets, and street vending. These efforts supported economic development while reimagining how public right-of-way can serve community life.

Experience

1. Executive Director of Security and Fare Engagement

   Sound Transit

   Feb 2026 — Present

   I oversee Sound Transit\'s front-line passenger facing functions creating. This includes our 24/7 Security Operations Center, Field Activity Specialists, contracted security, Law Enforcement contracts, and Sound Transit\'s Fare Ambassadors. I am currently engaged in professionalizing a number of our contracted security functions by bringing them in-house, and transitioning our pilot fare compliance program to a permanent operating model.

Education

• Seattle Pacific University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Literature & Philosophy (cum laude)

• KU Leuven

  Master of Arts - MA, Social and Political Philosophy (cum laude)

Skills

• Access
• Analysis
• Business Analysis
• Government
• Leadership
• Nonprofits
• Policy
• Program Management
• Project Management
• Project Planning
• Sdlc