DAMON DASH

Seattle,WA

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Operations Chief, Transit Control Center

King County Metro Transit Division

06.2024 - Current

Oversee the daily operation of the control center, assuming command and direction during emergencies and critical situations. Coordinate service delivery across seven regional bus bases and partner with Sound Transit Rail.
Make real-time decisions to support transit service in emergency situations, particularly adverse weather and creatively solve transit operational difficulties as they arise.
Handle all personnel issues of assigned staff including employee support, performance monitoring and evaluation, investigations, and appropriate progressive discipline up to and including suspension and termination.
Serve as a professional representative or liaison of the Transit Control Center, the Bus Operations Division or King County Metro Transit with senior management, other public agencies, private contractors, the public and other internal and external transit partners, customers, and stakeholders.
Assist in the preparation and administration of the Transit Control Center budget and project budgets.

General Manager II

First Transit, Inc./Transdev US

09.2017 - 06.2024

Contracted General Manager of The Wave Transit System of the City of Mobile. Reported directly to the Mayor and City Council as substitute Public Transit Director.
Administrated all aspects of the transit agency including grants, finance, human resources, labor relations, operations and maintenance.
Negotiated all Collective Bargaining Agreements and labor actions.
Formulated all special and annual federal funding grants including CARES Act, American Recovery, 5307 & 5310 formula grants, and a 5339(b) discretionary award.
Executed numerous capital improvements including replacement of entire fixed route bus fleet, bus operating facility renovation and modernization, and implementation of digital fare collection system across both fixed route and mobility services.
Voting member of the Mobile County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Assistant General Manager

National Express Transit

03.2017 - 09.2017

Managed both contracted fixed route and para-transit operations of SolTrans.
Provided overall operational leadership by directing bus transportation, bus dispatch/scheduling, and road supervision.
Developed and oversaw driver bids and run cuts.
Administered discipline and first level grievance proceedings in union environment.
Responsible for knowledge of contracts and accompanying operational requirements.

Transportation Planner II

Fairfax County Dept. of Transportation

08.2016 - 03.2017

Oversaw and coordinated Fairfax Connector bus service delivery in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Performed operational support activities ensuring service delivery functions of Fairfax Connector were provided and maintained in accordance with contractual requirements.
Coordinated with Service Delivery Contractor on service delivery issues with emphasis on Contract Compliance and Quality Assurance.
Led meetings with key team members, including fleet, facilities and service planning staff.
Conducted start up of Bus Communications Center and new CAD/AVL system.
Indirect oversight of 600 division employees and fixed route fleet of 300 buses.

Bus Operations Controller

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County

10.2012 - 04.2016

Optimized radio communications and increased On Time Performance by implementing new CAD/AVL technology.
As Lead Controller produced Bus Controller Reference Manual and revised Standard Operating Procedures.
Through subordinate Controllers maintained oversight of 1300 buses originating from 7 bus operating facilities.
Acted as relief Rail Controller and/or Bus Superintendent as needed.

Bus Operations Supervisor

Samson Trailways

06.2010 - 09.2012

Supervised commercial drivers and maintenance personnel in field operations.
Coordinated DOT alcohol and drug program requirements.
Administered attendance and discipline functions.
Acted as relief Operations Manager.

Accomplishments

2020 Mass Transit Magazine 40 Under Forty Recipient

Timeline