Personnel shuffle at BART as GM resigns

BART’s Board of Directors on Thursday began searching for a new general manager, following the abrupt resignation of Dorothy Dugger Wednesday morning, ending a 19-year career with the agency. Dugger’s last day will be April 22.

Dugger (pictured at left) was appointed general manager on Aug, 23, 2007, as BART’s eighth GM and the first female head of the agency.

“Under Dorothy’s professional and dedicated leadership, BART has achieved a proud record of success on many fronts,” BART Director Joel Keller said. “We have weathered the worst economic period in our history without layoffs or a reduction in core service, due in part to historic changes negotiated in our last labor contract; our $1.2 billion Earthquake safety program is on schedule and under budget; service expansions are underway in three important transportation corridors; and the first phase of replacement of BART’s fleet of train cars is moving forward.”

“It has been a challenging, exciting and professionally rewarding experience to lead a great organization that provides a vitally important service to the people of the Bay Area every day,” Dugger said. “I am extremely proud of all that we have achieved and BART’s strong record of accomplishment. This record of achievement was possible with the outstanding support of the entire organization. I want to thank BART’s talented and dedicated employees for their exemplary work during these past years.”

The BART board on Thursday named Sherwood Wakeman intermim general manager, formerly BART general counsel before retiring in July 2007. Wakeman will begin his duties April 23. He already has served twice as interim general manager during his 31-year tenure at BART, the agency said.

“Mr. Wakeman has complete integrity and a love for BART and will capably guide the agency until a permanent general manager is appointed,” BART Board President Bob Franklin said.

As well, the Board appointed Mark T. Smith as BART’s first-ever independent police auditor. Smith’s office will provide independent oversight of the BART Police Department, including reviewing, recommending, and monitoring the implementation of changes to police policies, procedures, and practices. Smith alsow will be responsible for receiving citizen allegations of on-duty police misconduct, participating in recommending appropriate disciplinary action, and coordinating the activities of the recently appointed 11-member Citizen Review Board.

“We promised the public that we would improve our policing services,” BART Board Member Lynette Sweet said. “The appointment of an Independent Police Auditor is further proof that we are delivering on our commitments.”

Dugger leaves BART with a severance package totaling close to $1 million. She and the BART Board of Directors “reached mutual agreement whereby BART will pay Dorothy Dugger $958,000,” BART said. The $958,000 “settlement” is comprised of approximately $600,000, “the cost to BART of Dugger’s severance package had she been terminated, plus $350,000 to ensure a smooth transition and to avoid any litigation between the parties.”