The following is a release from the Washington State Transportation Commission:

Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed Rita Brogan of Vashon Island to the Washington State Transportation Commission. She will serve the remaining four years of the six-year term vacated by former Commissioner Charley Royer, who resigned effective Jan. 15.  Brogan will represent the central Puget Sound area on the commission.

Brogan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the commission. She recently retired as the Chief Executive Officer of PRR, Inc., a strategic communications and marketing agency dedicated to civic, environmental and human health.  Brogan served as the superintendent of Public Transportation Development for the Seattle Metro Transit Department from 1985-89, where she directed the development and marketing of all public transportation services and facilities in King County. And in the early 80’s, she served as a special assistant to the King County Executive where she was the chief land use and community development advisor and led the way to King County’s first comprehensive land use plan.

“I look forward to this opportunity to help shape our state’s transportation system and make an impact on how we think about moving people, whether it is in our congested urban areas or in our rural communities across the state.” said Brogan. “We all need transportation, but it is easy to forget how vital it is to our day to day lives. Without a robust transportation system, our quality of life and our state’s economy is at risk.”

Brogan has a long history of civic and community service in the Puget Sound region.  She currently serves on the Downtown Seattle Association Board of Directors, serving as its past Chairman of the Transportation Committee, and also serves on the University of Washington’s Graduate School Advisory Board. She recently served on the Crossscut Public Media Board of Directors, and the Chinatown/ International District PDA Board of Directors.

The Washington State Transportation Commission is a seven-member body of citizens appointed by the governor for six-year terms. The commission provides a public forum for transportation policy development. It reviews and assesses how the entire transportation system works across the state and issues the state’s 20-year Washington Transportation Plan. As the state tolling authority, the commission adopts tolls for state highways and bridges and fares for state ferries. The secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation and a representative from the Governor’s Office are ex-officio members of the commission.

For more information about the commission, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov.