Nicole Gauthier has been hired as the general manager for Jefferson Transit.

Gauthier had earlier served as interim manager, but the board for Jefferson Transit decided to make her appointment permanent at its meeting last week.

The decision followed a recruitment process conducted by Snoqualmie-based GMP Consultants.

In the end, however, the transit authority decided to hire from in-house.

After candidate interviews on Nov. 8, Kate Dean, a Jefferson Transit Authority board member and Jefferson County commissioner, asked the board to offer the job to Gauthier.

The motion carried unanimously, 4-0.

Speaking with The Leader via email correspondence, Gauthier said: “Jefferson Transit has been and will continue to be successful due in large part to each and every employee who works for the agency. 

“Jefferson Transit staff have responded to every challenge they’ve faced this year with optimism and a resolve to maintain the highest level of service and safety for the residents of Jefferson County.”

“It’s been a privilege to lead this team and I look forward to the agency’s continued success for years to come,” she added.

Longtime general manager Tammi Rubert announced her retirement from the position earlier this year, with Gauthier taking the reins in April.

Discussing her goals and objectives for the transit authority, Gauthier said, “Jefferson Transit staff has been working on several large capital projects and will continue that work into 2023.” 

“Jefferson Transit will also begin to strategically plan for sustainable service enhancements and to passionately pursue the agency’s goal of systematically transitioning from a bio-diesel fixed route fleet to a zero emissions fleet,” Gauthier added.