Dorothy Dugger
Dorothy W. Dugger | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Public transit executive |
| Years active | 1970s–2011 |
| Known for | First woman general manager of San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) |
Dorothy W. Dugger is an expert in public transit who was employed by the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system from 1992 until 2011. She made history as BART's first woman to hold the position of general manager, serving in that capacity between 2007 and 2011.
Early life and education
Raised on a poultry farm in Alabama, Dugger completed her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University in 1973. She further advanced her leadership skills by attending the senior executive program at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Prior to BART (1970s to 1992)
Dugger worked as legislative director for the American Civil Liberties Union. Between 1982 and 1992, she occupied several positions within the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, culminating in her role as Director of Government and Community Affairs. She acknowledges Sig Frigand as a significant mentor during this phase of her career.
BART (1992 – 2011)
Joining BART in September 1992, Dugger initially served as executive manager of external affairs. Her promotion to Deputy General Manager came on April 6, 1994, showcasing her growing expertise. During this time, she worked under general managers Richard A. White (1994–1996) and Thomas Margro (1996–2007).
Following Margro’s retirement on June 29, 2007, Dugger stepped in as interim general manager while the board searched for a permanent replacement. The board considered candidates including Dugger herself and Beverly Scott, then leading the Sacramento Regional Transit District. On August 23, 2007, the board appointed Dugger as general manager by a 6-3 vote, recognizing her extensive understanding of BART operations and regional politics. Her appointment also received backing from Sue Angeli, leader of a union representing BART’s professional workforce.
During her tenure as general manager, Dugger guided BART to achieve a budget surplus through measures such as labor concessions, wage freezes, and fare hikes. Nevertheless, her leadership faced scrutiny over the agency's response to the shooting of Oscar Grant and the forfeiture of $70 million in federal funding for the Oakland Airport Connector project.
Departure from BART and ensuing controversy
On February 10, 2011, the BART Board of Directors voted narrowly (5-4) to dismiss Dugger and requested her resignation. This action contravened the Brown Act, as Dugger's resignation had not been listed on the meeting agenda. Board member Joel Keller opposed the dismissal and sought advice from district counsel Matthew Burrows, who confirmed that the vote was unlawful. The Board subsequently acknowledged this procedural mistake.
Those advocating for Dugger’s removal cited issues such as inadequate communication, strained relations with the board, mismanagement surrounding the shooting of Oscar Grant, and losing federal funds allocated for the Oakland Airport Connector. Conversely, board member Lynette Sweet highlighted that under Dugger’s management, BART had attained a financial surplus.
On April 13, 2011, BART announced Dugger’s resignation along with a severance package totaling $958,000—comprising $600,000 in severance pay plus $350,000 for transition support. Her final day with BART was April 22, 2011. Later that year, on August 31, Grace Crunican, formerly director of the Seattle Department of Transportation, was named BART’s new general manager.
In 2013, it was disclosed that Dugger continued to receive payments for unused sick leave accrued during her nearly two decades at BART. This made her the highest-paid individual associated with BART in 2012 despite no longer being employed there. New GM Crunican acknowledged that although this policy required reevaluation, allowing executives to accumulate vacation time could serve as an incentive for performance throughout their service period.
Personal life
During her tenure at BART, Dugger resided in Oakland's Grand Lake District alongside her husband Lou. Although her workplace was situated near the 19th Street Oakland station, the closest BART stop to her residence, she did not commute via BART regularly. However, she often utilized the system for attending meetings in San Francisco and for overseeing train operations. She expressed that not having children was among her most significant personal regrets.