Sound Transit names Cross head of economic development, civil rights

Sound Transit, the public transit agency for the Seattle metropolitan area, has appointed Daphne Cross as chief economic development and civil rights officer.

Cross will continue her work as head of the agency's civil rights, equity and inclusion department, where she has been acting chief diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officer over the past year, Sound Transit officials said in a press release. She will also serve as a member of the CEO cabinet.

Cross has been with Sound Transit for more than 20 years, holding positions in board administration, the CEO's office, small business and labor compliance and civil rights, equity and inclusion. Prior to her most recent tole as chief DEI officer, Cross served as director of inclusive culture.

As a direct report to Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, Cross will develop strategies and programs to ensure that DEI principles are embedded throughout the agency, Sound Transit officials said. Cross is also the agency's Equal Employment Opportunity, Title VI and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise officer, responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.