Metro General Manager Michelle Allison named Woman of Influence

The Puget Sound Business Journal honored King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison with a Woman of Influence award, recognizing a leader whose clarity of purpose, steady approach and commitment to community are transforming how our region moves. The award was given at a ceremony on Wednesday night in Seattle.

“She is only the second woman to lead Metro, and her example is paving the way for future generations of women in public service,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock.

Every weekday, Metro delivers more than 300,000 rides. That number grows even larger when the Sound Transit Link light rail system, that Metro operates, is added. Metro’s ridership has had one of the fastest growth rates of any large agency nationwide in recent years.

“Continued strong growth and a large customer base signal the rejuvenation of civic engagement that Michelle has helped orchestrate and provides strong momentum for our regional economy,” Braddock said.

Allison is also steering the nation’s largest current transit expansion. Improvements include more evening and weekend service, stronger regional connections, and coming service tied to the Federal Way Link light rail extension launching in December. Construction on the new RapidRide I line—linking Renton, Kent, and Auburn—will begin in January.

These improvements help reduce commute times and costs, support employers as they recruit talent, and boost the region’s economic competitiveness.

A commitment to sustainability is central to Allison’s leadership. Metro is advancing toward a zero-emissions future with 15 percent of its buses already operating as battery electric. Her equity-centered approach ensures more riders can access reduced fares and guarantees free rides for all youth 18 and younger.

Allison has also strengthened safety across the system, adding more transit police and security officers, expanding community partnerships, and launching new behavioral health and ambassador programs that have supported customers.

Just as important is Allison’s dedication to developing the people who power Metro to shape the next generation of transit leaders. She invests deeply in staff, from mentoring new operators to supporting national leadership programs that help employees grow in their careers.

Allison’s background spans public service, communications, and community engagement. She holds a BA in communications and sociology and an MPA in public administration. She previously served as the King County Director of Council Relations, and as Metro’s Chief of Staff and Deputy General Manager.

Metro thanks the Puget Sound Business Journal for this recognition and congratulates Allison on this well-deserved honor.