Media Relations Contact:
Morgan Lyons

December 30, 2002

General Counsel Returns to Private Sector

Roland Castañeda, DART general counsel since 1994, has resigned to return to the private sector, according to DART Board Chairman Robert Pope. Pope said Castañeda told the board of his interest earlier this year.

During his eight-year tenure, Castañeda worked with two DART Executive Directors to guide the agency during a period of rapid growth, including the start of DART Rail service in 1996. Castañeda led DART's legal department through structural changes that led to significant reductions in operational costs. The number of lawsuits filed against DART each year has been reduced by two-thirds.

"I arrived at a time when the agency was struggling. Today the agency enjoys success and respect," Castañeda said.

In addition to his duties at DART, Castañeda founded and served as first chairman of the Texas General Counsel Forum, a statewide professional association of over 220 corporate general counsels. The organization's mission is to promote "best practices" within corporate legal departments. The organization recently established its first out of state chapter in Los Angeles, California.

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