Tri-Cities Transit CEO Fired After Investigation

Board votes unanimously to terminate CEO Thomas Drozt with no severance pay

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:49am

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled transit agency financial document, the harsh flash lighting creating a stark, gritty mood that reflects the investigative nature of the story.The investigation into the Tri-Cities transit CEO's spending and management practices has exposed a pattern of financial mismanagement and a breakdown in public trust.Kennewick Today

The chief executive officer of Ben Franklin Transit was fired on Thursday night after the board was given the findings of an investigation into Drozt's alleged financial wrongdoing. The unanimous decision was greeted with clapping and cheers in the meeting room, as the board terminated Drozt with no severance pay.

Why it matters

The firing of the transit agency's CEO comes after months of allegations of financial mismanagement, questionable contracts, and a toxic workplace culture under Drozt's leadership. The investigation and termination raise concerns about oversight and accountability at the public transit agency.

The details

The investigation was launched after the agency's former finance leader sent a letter to the board detailing Drozt's alleged financial wrongdoing. The probe looked into issues like Drozt hiring a consultant with a sex offense conviction, paying his step-son nearly $5,000 for a training workshop that may not have occurred, and discussions about using an AI system to potentially reduce union positions. The agency also spent over $60,000 on golf carts beyond the grant funding secured for them.

  • In October 2025, the former finance leader sent a letter to the board detailing allegations against Drozt.
  • In February 2026, the agency hired a third-party attorney to conduct interviews as part of the investigation.
  • On April 10, 2026, the board voted unanimously to immediately terminate Drozt as CEO.

The players

Thomas Drozt

The former chief executive officer of Ben Franklin Transit who was fired by the board after an investigation into his alleged financial wrongdoing.

Alex Smith

The former finance leader at Ben Franklin Transit who sent a letter to the board detailing allegations against Drozt.

Brian Lubanski

The chief customer experience officer who has been serving as interim CEO since February 2026.

Charles Grimm

The mayor of Pasco who confirmed conversations took place about setting up a $3 million grant fund to help cities in the agency's taxing district.

Russell Shjerven

The union representative who the transit agency attempted to have trespassed from their office.

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What they’re saying

“The use of security was part of a planned, phased approach that had been under development for several months to enhance safety across the system. The timeline was accelerated to support public meetings during a period of heightened tension, with the goal of maintaining a safe and orderly environment for all participants.”

— Thomas Drozt, Former CEO

What’s next

The Washington state Auditor's Office is also investigating the contracts and credit card spending under Drozt's leadership. The agency has not released the full findings of its own investigation, which did not include an interview with the former finance leader who initially raised concerns.

The takeaway

The firing of the Tri-Cities transit CEO highlights the importance of financial oversight and accountability at public agencies. The investigation uncovered a pattern of questionable spending and management decisions that eroded trust in the organization's leadership and led to the CEO's termination.