Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗
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Don Billen has been named Link Transit's new Chief Executive Officer“The Link Transit Board of Directors has named Don Billen as the agency’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026.”
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Don Billen's appointment is effective June 1, 2026“The Link Transit Board of Directors has named Don Billen as the agency’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026.”
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Billen has served as Link's planning manager since May 2025“Billen, who has served as Link’s planning manager since May of 2025, was selected following a national search and brings 30 years’ experience in transit planning, capital project development, and regional coordination.”
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Billen succeeds outgoing CEO Nick Covey“Billen succeeds Nick Covey, who is retiring after 32 years.”
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Nick Covey is retiring after 32 years of service“Billen succeeds Nick Covey, who is retiring after 32 years.”
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The Link Transit Board of Directors made the announcement on May 19, 2026“Don Billen Named Link Transit’s New CEO — Tue, 19 May 2026 22:53:33 +0000
The Link Transit Board of Directors has named Don Billen as the agency’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026.”
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Billen brings 30 years of experience in transit planning“Billen, who has served as Link’s planning manager since May of 2025, was selected following a national search and brings 30 years’ experience in transit planning, capital project development, and regional coordination.”
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Billen brings 30 years of experience in capital project development“Billen, who has served as Link’s planning manager since May of 2025, was selected following a national search and brings 30 years’ experience in transit planning, capital project development, and regional coordination.”
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Billen brings 30 years of experience in regional coordination“Billen, who has served as Link’s planning manager since May of 2025, was selected following a national search and brings 30 years’ experience in transit planning, capital project development, and regional coordination.”
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Billen has leadership roles at Sound Transit“Billen, who has served as Link’s planning manager since May of 2025, was selected following a national search and brings 30 years’ experience in transit planning, capital project development, and regional coordination. His background includes leadership roles at Sound Transit, where he led major system expansions and long-term planning initiatives.”
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Billen led major system expansions at Sound Transit“His work has focused on bring out the best in employees along with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.”
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Billen led long-term planning initiatives at Sound Transit“His work has focused on bring out the best in employees along with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.”
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The Board Chair is Erin McCardle“"The Board is grateful for Nick’s leadership and is excited to welcome Don Billen as our next CEO," said Board Chair Erin McCardle.”
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Erin McCardle praised Billen for understanding transit's role in connecting people to jobs“null”
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Erin McCardle praised Billen for understanding transit's role in connecting people to healthcare“null”
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Erin McCardle praised Billen for understanding transit's role in connecting people to opportunities“"The Board is grateful for Nick’s leadership and is excited to welcome Don Billen as our next CEO," said Board Chair Erin McCardle. "Don understands the important role transit plays in connecting people to jobs, healthcare, and opportunities. We look forward to working with him to ensure Link Transit continues to meet the evolving needs of our riders and communities."”
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Link Transit is hosting a Bus Barn Open House on June 25, 2026“Have you ever wondered what an electric battery on a bus looks like? Or how they get charged at night? Come find out at Link Transit's Open House on Thursday June 25 th from 5pm to 7pm . Take a tour through the maintenance shop and explore the new state-of-the-art Bus Barn where Link's electric fleet gets charged and dispatched to transport you throughout Chelan and Douglas counties!”
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The Bus Barn Open House will be from 5-7 PM“Come find out at Link Transit's Open House on Thursday June 25th from 5pm to 7pm . Take a tour through the maintenance shop and explore the new state-of-the-art Bus Barn where Link's electric fleet gets charged and dispatched to transport you throughout Chelan and Douglas counties!”
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The event will recognize Nick Covey's retirement“The open house will also recognize the retirement of outgoing CEO Nick Covey, honoring his 32 years of service to Link Transit and the community.”
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The event will include tours of the electric bus maintenance facility“Guided tours of the Bus Barn and maintenance shop”
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The event will include charging infrastructure demonstrations“Electric bus displays and charging infrastructure demonstrations”
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The event will include a time capsule for community memories to be opened in 30 years“The time capsule will be stored at Link Transit’s Operations Base for 30 years and opened on the agency’s 65th anniversary.”