Sam Desue, Jr.

On June 23, 2021, TriMet’s Board of Directors appointed Sam Desue, Jr. TriMet General Manager. Sam previously served as TriMet's Chief Operating Officer since March 2019 and as Interim General Manager following the retirement of his predecessor in March 2021.

Sam brings more than 27 years of public and private transportation experience. He served at three different public transportation agencies in executive level positions. At the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, he served as the interim General Manager and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, providing strategic leadership.

Prior to Kansas City, Sam directed transportation services at both Pierce Transit and Community Transit in Washington. He also oversaw ground transportation at SeaTac International Airport as well as operations at Seattle Monorail.

Sam is a staunch advocate for equity and social justice and he takes a hands-on approach to community building. He has a proven track record of forging strong relationships with community members, elected officials, and union leaders and strives to building trust, teamwork, diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Sam is a proud US veteran and served 10 years in the United States Army. He is supported by his loving family and is driven by a desire to connect underserved individuals to economic opportunities.