[PRESS RELEASE] Dallas Area Transit Alliance Statement on Termination of DART CEO Nadine Lee
DATA is disappointed to hear that an agreement between Nadine Lee and the Board, could not be reached, and that the Board has decided to immediately terminate her tenure as President and CEO.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DALLAS, TX, April 6, 2026— The Dallas Area Transit Alliance is disappointed to hear that an agreement between Nadine Lee and the Board of Directors could not be reached and that the Board has decided to immediately terminate her tenure as President and CEO. Although we were not privy to the internal discussions that led to this development, it is our position that Nadine Lee has consistently put forward the interest of the riders of DART, oftentimes contrary to the wishes of Board Members and city leaders. We wish to show deep appreciation and gratitude to Nadine Lee for her service for the past 5 years, working through fiscal and political constraints to provide the best service possible.
It is undeniable that the political landscape surrounding DART has shifted drastically since 2021, and requires leadership that can effectively navigate between many different interests in both the municipal and state levels. Despite these political requirements, it is our hope that new leadership selected by the board in the following months will not lose sight of the primary goal of the authority - providing mobility solutions to the riders of the system.
The Dallas Area Transit Alliance urges the board to keep the President/CEO selection process transparent and open to input from the various communities that rely on DART. More than ever, a leader that is empathetic and able to understand the needs of the riders is crucial for generating the grassroots support that is required to ensure the viability and stability of the system.
About Dallas Area Transit Alliance
The Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA) is a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving and advancing public transit in the service area of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Founded in 2024, DATA advocates for the continued funding and improvement of services, ensuring that all residents have access to safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation.
Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA) is a rider-run advocacy group that is not affiliated with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) or any other transit or government agency.
Press Contact:
Alexander Dunn, Secretary
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The phrase that tells you everything: "an agreement could not be reached." That is board language for a CEO who stopped being manageable. Five years navigating fiscal and political constraints, and the reward is immediate termination. Boards do not terminate immediately unless they want the narrative sealed before the outgoing executive can shape it.