Metro News Release

For immediate release: February 17, 2011

Metro Board committee approves Governance Committee work plan

Outlines actions to strengthen policy governance

Metro’s Board Governance Committee has agreed on a work plan that outlines key governance topics that it will address over the next four months, including the board’s roles and responsibilities, strengthening the governing structure, and improving the Board/GM-CEO relationship. The Committee voted to send the work plan to the full Board of Directors for final approval on Feb. 24.

“This work plan will enable us to more clearly define our functions as a policy-focused governing body,” said Mary Hynes, Governance Committee chair. “While we are going to be working on a number of fronts simultaneously, the result will be a stronger framework supporting a highly effective Board that works with the GM/CEO to provide safe and reliable service to the region.”

“A best practice of effective boards starts with a standing Governance Committee, which I have long advocated during my tenure on the Metro Board. Establishment of the Committee and the progress that I am confident will be realized under Ms. Hynes’ leadership comes at an especially important time for Metro, as we face the threat of reduced federal funding that will impact planned reliability improvements,” said Metro Board Chair Catherine Hudgins.

If approved, the work plan calls for Board members to address the following areas:

Modernize Board Leadership – roles and responsibilities of the Board chair and Board members, appropriate term length for the chair, and creation of Board Bylaws;

Strengthening Governing Structure – examining the role of alternate members, and review of Board procedures to assure an effective framework for governing the organization;

Improve Board-CEO/GM Working Relationship – establishing annual performance goals for the GM/CEO, focusing on Board policy-guidance functions, using the KPI system as a base for strategic decision-making;

Enhance Internal Board Management – incorporating orientation, development and leadership activities for Board members, reviewing and updating Board Code of Conduct and Expectations; and

Strengthening Public Communication – establishing and implementing clear policies, procedures and channels for gathering rider and stakeholder input into policy discussions.

News release issued at 3:18 pm, February 17, 2011.