Claire Khouri joins TriMet leadership in forging a strategic path forward to foster coordinated transit growth for our region and our riders 

Claire Khouri becomes TriMet’s first Chief of Strategy and Planning on Nov. 27, 2024. Khouri brings to TriMet more than 20 years of experience in public policy and leading collaboration to build out strategy, technical systems and infrastructure. Her contributions will be integral for TriMet and transit, with regional projects such as the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program and 82nd Avenue Transit Project on the horizon and major initiatives to grow transit ridership and transition to a zero-emissions bus fleet continuing at TriMet.

“As TriMet’s Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, Khouri will be essential in identifying and implementing agency-wide initiatives and programs that help us better serve our riders and our region,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “Her transit, policy and leadership experience will guide our strategic vision for the years to come especially around our infrastructure needs and partnership opportunities.”

At TriMet, Khouri will lead strategic planning and development, with oversight of our Planning Department and Engineering and Construction and Public Affairs divisions. She will also oversee the agency-wide program to move to a zero-emissions bus fleet.

“This role will combine my history in both transit operations and capital projects as well as my passion for tackling challenges, finding common ground and efficiencies and using data to inform thoughtful decision-making,” said Khouri. “I love public service. I’m one of those people who needs to wake up and do something I believe in everyday that provides service to my community and my region, and I’m excited to join the TriMet team that does just that.”

Prior executive at Sound Transit

Khouri comes to TriMet from Sound Transit in Seattle, where she worked since April 2018. She served as Deputy Executive Director of Portfolio Management and Integrity in Sound Transit’s Portfolio Services Office for the past three-and-a-half years. In that role, Khouri worked on streamlining and optimizing processes for building out Seattle’s light rail system and delivering safe and reliable transit service. The $145 billion expansion is considered the most ambitious in the nation. Prior to her latest role, Khouri served as Sound Transit’s Chief of Staff of Operations, acting as a key strategic advisor and facilitating strategic partnerships with other agencies.

Background in Michigan government

Before moving to the Pacific Northwest, Khouri worked in state-level politics in Michigan, her home state, for nearly 15 years. She served as the Deputy Director of Strategy for then-Governor Rick Snyder for more than seven years. She was a top leader on his administration’s strategy team, leading cultural and transformational change in the government. In addition to leading policy work on infrastructure, local and state government reform, higher education and other various topics, her responsibilities included directing the implementation of performance management statewide and helping lead a bi-partisan infrastructure commission. Prior to her work in the governor’s administration, Khouri worked in the Michigan Senate as a legislative staffer in various capacities.

Among her most rewarding work, Khouri has enjoyed creating new teams, bringing people together to identify opportunities for improvement and centering resources to deliver better outcomes, whether for transit projects or government optimization. While working in the Michigan governor’s office, she managed the Office of Good Government, focused on improving government efficiency and transparency and she directed a statewide asset management system pilot, which laid the foundation for using data to make more informed decision on state of good repair infrastructure projects.

Education

Khouri holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in public administration from University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

Outside of work, Khouri enjoys being active, hiking, taking walks with her French bulldog Guy and finding Zen in hot yoga. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and looks forward to exploring the Portland region and the culinary opportunities that abound here.

About TriMet’s leadership team

TriMet’s executive team consists of the general manager, the chief operating officer and other chiefs/executive directors of the agency’s divisions. The team works together to deliver safe and reliable transit service for residents of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.

Learn more at trimet.org/about/leadership.