Leaders across the transportation sector are navigating complex challenges at the intersection of safety, community trust, and frontline engagement. At Sound Transit, Deputy Director of Security & Fare Engagement Sue Kuwahara is one of the practitioners shaping what effective, people-centered transit leadership looks like today.

Kuwahara joined Sound Transit more than seven years ago, initially serving as an emergency manager. In December 2024, she was promoted to Deputy Director of Security & Fare Engagement, where, like much of her career, she wears many hats. In this role, she supports frontline staff, oversees fare engagement operations, coordinates with local law enforcement, addresses fare compliance, and helps the agency work with vulnerable populations. She describes the role as something similar to a chief of staff capacity, handling everything from logistical support to high-level coordination on issues that emerge across the system.

Before joining Sound Transit, Kuwahara built a dynamic career across emergency response, law enforcement, and public safety. She spent 10 years as a state patrol dispatcher—including time as a supervisor and lead—before transitioning to the Washington State Fire Marshal’s office, where she coordinated emergency mobilization and resource deployment across jurisdictions. She later served in an executive command role with the University of Washington Police Department, overseeing the dispatch center, records unit, IT department, community engagement team, strategic planning, and serving as public information officer.

Throughout her time at Sound Transit, Kuwahara has been a committed participant in Eno’s leadership programs, taking part in EnoMAX (2022), Transportation Mid-Manager (2024), and Transportation Mid-Manager² (2025).

Reflecting on her experience, Kuwahara noted that even when concepts were familiar, the facilitators introduced new twists or scenarios that refreshed the material and pushed her thinking:

“The facilitators give you space to reevaluate and repurpose tools to engage with your teams differently.”

She explained that she returned from each program intentionally reflecting on what to bring back to her staff. Sharing knowledge with her team and supporting their growth was a top priority. The opportunity to network with peers across the transportation sector, and with agencies specifically, was equally valuable, especially as someone who did not begin her career in transit.  “Transit can be pretty niche. Hearing how other agencies handle things gave me context, insight, and new ways of approaching situations. These programs helped me become a more thoughtful leader.”

For Kuwahara, one of the greatest takeaways was the strength of the peer community. She remains active with her cohorts—joining a monthly book club with her TMM group and participating in a group chat with her TMM² colleagues to share challenges and experiences.

In reflecting on her journey through Eno’s leadership programs, Kuwahara offered advice to anyone considering opportunities to invest in their career and leadership potential. Kuwahara said,

“Just go for it. Sit at a new table every day, ask questions, and take advantage of the networking opportunities. If you show up authentically, you’ll walk away with tools and relationships that truly make a difference.”

Kuwahara’s journey reflects the heart of Eno’s professional development programs: equipping transportation leaders with the skills, perspective, and connections to lead with purpose.

Note: If you are interested in learning more about leadership opportunities through Eno, please feel free to check out our Leadership Programs.