Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is set to host a public “meet and greet” event on Saturday to introduce candidates vying for the agency’s chief executive officer position. The gathering will provide an opportunity for community members to engage directly with finalists and share their perspectives on the transit system’s priorities.

The event is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. at DART headquarters. Attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with the agency noting that demand may exceed capacity, and not all attendees may have the chance to meet the candidates.

DART has not disclosed the names or the number of candidates expected to attend. An announcement identifying the finalists will follow a meeting of the agency’s board of directors on Friday morning. Prior to selecting the new CEO, the board is actively seeking public input to better understand community concerns and expectations for the agency’s leadership.

The vacancy emerged after former CEO Nadine Lee resigned in March amid a challenging period marked by negotiations over funding, governance, and service levels with member cities expressing dissatisfaction. Since then, David Leininger has served as interim CEO, managing day-to-day operations while the search for a permanent leader continues.

The incoming CEO will face the complex task of addressing longstanding tensions within the DART system and ensuring crucial reforms related to governance, financing, and service delivery are implemented effectively. According to DART’s job description, restoring trust among member cities is a top priority as the agency seeks to stabilize and strengthen its transit network.

The Saturday meet and greet reflects DART’s effort to incorporate public feedback into the hiring process, giving candidates direct exposure to community issues before a final decision is made.