A former chair of the Fraser Health Authority is one of two new directors appointed to TransLink's board.

Barry Forbes, the president and CEO of Westminster Savings and Credit Union, joins the nine-member board Jan. 1, bringing extensive experience running business and community organizations.

Also appointed is Don Rose, a corporate lawyer with 25 years experience, including executive level positions at international mining firm Placer Dome and B.C. Crown corporation Columbia Power.

They replace outgoing directors Dale Parker and David Unruh.

A third TransLink director whose term was expiring – SFU economics professor Nancy Olewiler – has been reappointed for another three years.

The Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation chose the three appointees from a short list of five candidates vetted by a separate screening panel.

Directors vote in January to select a new board chair to replace current chair Parker, who is stepping down at the end of the year.

The chair is paid a flat $100,000 a year, while other directors get a base $25,000 plus $600 to $1,200 for every meeting they attend.

The unelected board has operational and day-to-day control over TransLink and its spending, but any significant tax, fare or other revenue increases to expand the system require the approval of the mayors council.