Link Transit Names New CEO, Opens Bus Barn

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  Link Transit announced Don Billen as its new CEO“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 new CEO position 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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  Don Billen will succeed Nick CoveyNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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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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  Don Billen is currently Link's planning managerNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Don Billen has 30 years of transit experience“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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  Don Billen has leadership experience at Sound Transit“His background includes leadership roles at Sound Transit, where he led major system expansions and long-term planning initiatives.”
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  Link Transit announced a Bus Barn open house on June 25“Join us at Link Transit’s Bus Barn Open House — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:35:52 +0000 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! Enjoy food, meet staff, and learn how transit staff keep the system running safely and efficiently every day.”
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  The Bus Barn open house will be from 5-7 p.m.“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 Bus Barn open house will take place at its maintenance facility“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 feature tours of the electric bus charging infrastructure“Electric bus displays and charging infrastructure demonstrations”
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  The Bus Barn open house will honor 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 Bus Barn open house will include food“Enjoy food, meet staff, and learn how transit staff keep the system running safely and efficiently every day.”
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  The Bus Barn open house will include family activities“Family-friendly activities and opportunities to meet Link Transit staff 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 Bus Barn open house will include a time capsule for community memories“You can also be a part of community history by contributing a favorite transit memory or photo in a time capsule designed to preserve the stories and moments that have shaped Link Transit for future generations to discover. The time capsule will be stored at Link Transit’s Operations Base for 30 years and opened on the agency’s 65th anniversary.”