METRA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
Bruce C. Nelson is a transportation management professional with more than 39 years of experience in bus and rail transit operations providing him with an understanding of the evolving needs of public transportation and the ability to identify needed improvements and develop and implement successful action plans.
He is a lifelong resident of Northeast Illinois and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has also earned numerous certifications from programs facilitated by the Federal Transit Administration and the United States Department of Transportation Safety Institute.
Job Titles:
- Chief Engineering Officer
Mr. Krakar was named Chief Engineering Officer in January 2019. In his current role, he directs the planning, development, and organization of all Engineering Department activities. The Engineering Department is responsible for the design and maintenance of Metra's infrastructure, including track, signals, telecommunications, bridges and buildings.
Donald A. Orseno was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in December 2019 by the Will County Executive. Mr. Orseno came to the Board after a long career at Metra, including serving as CEO/Executive Director. He was elected Vice Chair in February 2023.
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
Job Titles:
- Chief Safety and Environmental Officer
Mr. Konczal was named Chief Safety and Environmental Officer in November 2015. In this role, he is responsible for the administrative oversight and management of Metra's safety programs and initiatives, environmental compliance and industrial hygiene activities.
As CEO/Executive Director of Metra, Mr. Derwinski provides overall leadership and direction to all areas of Metra operations and administration to ensure that Metra achieves its vision, mission, goals and objectives.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs
Ms. Thomas brings more than 25 years of government experience to her role as Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs, a position she assumed in March 2022. Among her key responsibilities is serving as an effective communicator and strategic advisor and planner to the CEO. Helping to manage the nation's fourth-largest commuter rail system, Ms. Thomas oversees capital project delivery, special projects and key initiatives, solving complex issues demanding executive leadership.
Among her other responsibilities, Ms. Thomas directs and manages the customer service, media relations/communications, government affairs, marketing, and community relations teams for Metra.
Most recently, she has played a major role in Metra's response to the coronavirus, and was a keynote speaker at the Chicago Safe Return To Work Summit sponsored by Metra and the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago, which was attended by over 1,100 senior business executives and HR professionals.
During her tenure at Metra, which began in 2010, Ms. Thomas has served the agency in a variety of supervisory and managerial positions, including as Chief of Staff and Senior Division Director of Business Diversity & Community Relations. In the latter role, she successfully oversaw the administration and management of community relations and the DBE program, including certifications, contract and labor compliance, outreach, and the Title VI program.
Prior to joining Metra, Ms. Thomas served as the minority and female business enterprise coordinator in the purchasing division of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She began her career in 1997 as a compliance coordinator for the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS).
Ms. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Chicago State University. She is a certified professional public buyer (CPPB) and a professional member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). She is also a graduate of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Leadership Program for executive professionals and a graduate of the Eno Transit Senior Executive Program. In 2009, she served as honorary co-chair of the Minority Business Development Agency-MED Council of Chicago.
Ms. Thomas was named Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs in March 2022. Among her responsibilities is serving as an effective communicator, strategic advisor and planner to the CEO. She oversees capital project delivery, special projects and key initiatives, solving complex issues demanding executive leadership.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Executive Director, Administration
Mr. Milano was appointed the agency's Deputy Executive Director, Administration in February 2015. In this role, he is responsible for planning, developing, organizing and directing Metra's administrative activities.
Mr. Milano joined Metra in 1998, serving the agency in a variety of capacities, most recently as its Deputy General Counsel. He has also served Metra as a Senior Corporate Director overseeing Real Estate, Marketing and Revenue Development. In these roles, he has worked with all the agency's major administrative departments, been involved in major procurements, worked extensively with the Metra Board of Directors and has overseen the agency's internal audit department function.
Before joining Metra, Mr. Milano worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation as an assistant chief counsel from 1989-1998, where he handled a variety of assignments involving public transportation, rails and highways. He brings an extensive level of commuter and passenger rail experience and crisis management to the position. He is a published author on articles on government grants and procurements and has worked on crafting transportation legislation.
A first-generation American born in Chicago, Mr. Milano graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and received his law degree with honors from Notre Dame University. He lives with his wife and children in Arlington Heights.
Job Titles:
- Certified Public Accountant
- Chief Financial Officer
John Morris was named the Chief Financial Officer for Metra in July 2022. In this role, he is responsible for leading Metra's Financial Affairs Department. This includes Treasury, Accounting, Financial Analysis and Budgets, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Revenue Accounting, and Payroll.
Mr. Morris has more than 20 years of experience as a financial analysis executive in the credit card industry. His roles in the industry include supporting oil & gas card products for Synchrony, leading the US Commercial Card Finance Team at J.P. Morgan Chase and financial support of leading private label programs such as Best Buy and Yamaha at HSBC. Prior to working in the credit card industry, his experience included serving with GE Capital, United Technologies and the U.S. Army.
Most recently he served as the CFO for Wyth, a rideshare company. He is also a member of the Chicago Board of Directors for Cents Ability, a nonprofit financial literacy group, and a Director for Hanryu Holdings (US).
Mr. Morris is a Certified Public Accountant and is a graduate of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, University of Southern California's Viterbi School and the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Mr. Morris was named the Chief Financial Officer for Metra in July 2022. In this role, he is responsible for leading Metra's Financial Affairs Department. This includes Treasury, Accounting, Financial Analysis and Budgets, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Revenue Accounting, and Payroll.
Joseph H. McMahon was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in May 2021 by the Chairman of the Kane County Board. He is the former Kane County State's Attorney.
Joseph H. McMahon was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in May 2021 by the Chairman of the Kane County Board.
Mr. McMahon, an attorney, is a co-founder of Griffin, Williams, McMahon & Walsh, LLP in Geneva and Chicago. He is an accomplished attorney in both the public and private sector having served as the state's attorney for Kane County and an appointed special prosecutor in matters in Cook, Kendall, McHenry, and Winnebago counties, including a case involving the murder of young African-American male by a Chicago police officer that commanded international attention. Before serving as state's attorney, he was in private practice, where he was a partner in a national law firm. He has extensive experience conducting internal corporate investigations, counseling executives and corporate boards, coordinating responses to government enforcement and regulatory actions and handling complex litigation in state and federal courts.
When he was state's attorney, he was selected by his peers to serve on the board of governors for the Illinois State's Attorney's Association and chaired its Best Practices committee. He was the state director for the National District Attorneys Association, a member of its executive committee and served on the United States Department of Justice joint terrorism task force working on matters of local, state, and national security.
Mr. McMahon has been recognized for excellence in ethics and legal ability by organizations such as Martindale Hubbell, the National District Attorney's Association, and the Illinois State's Attorney's Association. He previously served on the board of directors for the largest volunteer hospice organization in the United States and is active in pro bono activities staffing a monthly legal clinic through Administer Justice. He has received multiple awards for his commitment to equality, mental health services and diversion programs from community organizations including the Quad County Urban League, Family Services Association of Greater Elgin, and Fight Crime: Invest in Kids.
Mr. McMahon is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, the University of Notre Dame, where he received his Master in Business Administration, magna cum laude, and The John Marshall Law School (now known as The University of Illinois Chicago) where he received his JD.
He lives with his family in suburban Kane County.
Julius W. (Wes) Becton was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in July 2021 by the Chairman of the DuPage County Board. Mr. Becton is CEO and co-founder of George Washington Street Partners, a consulting firm that specializes in business consulting and executive leadership coaching.
Kenneth D. Koehler was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in September 2015 by the McHenry County Board. He is a longtime resident of McHenry County and Crystal Lake.
Prior to joining the Metra Board, Mr. Koehler served on the McHenry County Board from 2000 to 2015 and as County Board Chairman from 2004-2012. He served on the Transportation, Planning & Development, Human Resources, Building Projects, Legislative, Law & Justice, Liquor & License and Valley Hi committees while on the board. He also was the liaison to the McHenry County Conservation District and the Valley Hi Operating Board.
He is the past chairman of the Sherman Health Systems Urgent Care Facilities for both Crystal Lake and Algonquin and has been a board member since 1988. He has been a board member for Sherman Hospital since 2006 and a board member of Sherman Health Systems since 2009. He currently serves on the Advocate Sherman Hospital Board member and is chairman of the Finance Committee.
He is a past member of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Greater McHenry County. He served on the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Board from 1984-1992. He is a founding member of the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation and has served as chairman and treasurer.
He was a McHenry County Conservation District Board trustee from 1995-2000, and served as president twice from 1996-1998 and 1999-2000. He is a founding member of the McHenry County Conservation Foundation.
He was an active member of the Crystal Lake Jaycees from 1970-1984, serving in many officer positions. He is a two-time Crystal Lake Jaycee of the Year, and a winner of the Crystal Lake Jaycees' Outstanding Local Officer Award, the Henry Giessenbeir Outstanding Jaycee President Award, and the Outstanding Fox Valley Jaycee District Director Award. He was inducted into the United States Jaycee Hall of Leadership in 2002.
He also has been named a Crystal Lake Chamber Member of the Year and was the first-ever winner of the Carl E. Wehde Memorial Award, which honors exceptional civic involvement and community service.
Mr. Koehler was the owner of Flowerwood, Inc., a florist, nursery, gardening and greenhouse operation in Crystal Lake, from 1963 to 2004. He was a member of many business associations relating to that industry.
He graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School in 1966 and Northern Illinois University with a B.S. in Accounting in 1970.
He has been married to his wife, Shirley, for 51 years. They have two adult children and five grandchildren.
Mr. Clifford has over 43 years of experience in the railroad industry. His firsthand knowledge started in 1980 when he began his career as a trackman for Metra. From there, he went on to hold various positions at Metra such as welder, car cleaner, electrician, mechanical foreman, general foreman, and shop superintendent.
Furthering his career, he progressively climbed the ladder of increasing responsibility in management by being promoted to Director of Mechanical Operations for the Metra Electric District in March 2001, Director of Mechanical Operations for the Milwaukee District in September 2004, Senior Director of Mechanical Operations in March of 2016, and then appointed to his current role of Chief Mechanical Officer in August 2021.
As Chief Mechanical Officer, Mr. Clifford is responsible for all aspects of the Mechanical Department Operations and Capital Projects, which include the maintenance, inspection, repairing, and cleaning of rolling stock; field and shop operations; and various contracts and rehabilitation projects.
Mr. McCann became Metra's Chief Operating Officer in July 2021. As COO, he leads all aspects of commuter railroad operations: Transportation, Mechanical, Engineering, Positive Train Control, Safety, Rules, Regulatory Compliance, Environmental Compliance, Operations Training, T&E Training and Certification.
Mr. McCann had previously served as Metra's Chief Mechanical Officer, starting in January 2018. As Chief Mechanical Officer, Mr. McCann oversaw all activities of Metra's Mechanical Department, including field operations, shop operations, engineering and planning, asset management, reliability-centered maintenance, and state of good repair. He ensured that inspections, maintenance, repairs, and overhaul of Metra's rolling stock was completed in a safe, efficient manner and in accordance with federal regulations, APTA guidelines and industry standards.
He was responsible for the development and integration of Mechanical Capital Projects and assisted with the development of long-range plans and projections for rolling stock composition, maintenance facilities and coach yards.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Chief
- Operating Officer
Mr. Rainey became Metra's Assistant Chief Operating Officer in February of 2023. As Assistant COO, he leads all aspects of commuter railroad operations: Transportation, Mechanical, Engineering, and Quality Compliance. He has oversight responsibility for day-to-day operations and operating projects.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he received training as an aircraft mechanic. Upon separation from the Air Force, he became a licensed aviation mechanic and worked for Midway Airlines.
After leaving Midway Airlines, he began working for Santa Fe railroad. With 3 decades of service at Burlington Northern Santa Fe, he gained an extensive background in railroad safety, regulations compliance and operations. He served as a locomotive machinist, locomotive supervisor, mechanical car foreman, manager of equipment operations, terminal trainmaster, Chicago Division trainmaster, Chicago Division manager of safety, Cicero Terminal manager, Willow Springs Terminal manager, assistant superintendent and ended his career there as shop superintendent/director, Suburban Services.
He served as chairman of the Chicago Division Diversity Council from 2011-2013 and is a graduate of Dale Carnegie Leadership Training.
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
- Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Alliances at Harper College
Dr. Coons is currently the Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Alliances at Harper College. In this capacity, she leads the rapid development and delivery of programming in emerging fields to meet regional employer demands for a skilled workforce. This includes developing and delivering programming with strategic partners in high-growth areas, supporting small business development, working with the unemployed and credentialing adult learners. Dr. Coons has successfully procured more than $20 million in grants and co-led the successful reaccreditation of the College. She recently served on the Operating Committee for the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP 2.0) initiative, where she focused on talent pipeline challenges.
During her 28-year tenure at Harper, Dr. Coons served as a full-time faculty member and department chair, where she taught a full complement of management, marketing and finance courses, developed curricula and managed adjunct faculty. She also developed and managed the Adult Fast Track program, which provides cohort-based learning opportunities for adults.
Before pursuing a career in education, she was Assistant Vice President of Check Operations at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. She holds a doctorate in Higher Education from National Louis University, a Master in Business Administration degree from Loyola University in Chicago and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.
Job Titles:
- Chief Capital Delivery Officer
Mr. Delaney was named Chief Capital Delivery Officer in February 2022. He oversees Metra's Capital Delivery Department, which is responsible for the delivery of capital infrastructure projects from design through construction. These projects include bridges, building, passenger stations, traction power substations and related infrastructure, and other electrical and mechanical projects.
He has worked with Metra for 10 years as a signal engineer, manager of PTC engineering, and director of PTC engineering, prior to overseeing the Capital Delivery Department. He was instrumental in developing Metra's PTC program prior to the federally mandated deadline of 2020.
Mr. Delaney earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Valparaiso University. He has worked in the rail industry for 25 years. He and his wife celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in September 2023 with their three daughters.
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
Ms. Taylor is a transit operations professional with 26 years of experience in rail operations, starting as a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) conductor in 1986, and eight years in consulting.
A Chicago native, she worked her way through the ranks at the CTA, absorbing as much knowledge as possible, finishing her career there as General Manager of Rail Operations. Her other roles included General Manager Rail Operations (assigned to Brown/Green/Orange Elevated Lines), Senior Manager Construction Projects, Transportation Manager, Rail Supervisor, Yardmaster, Switchman, Flagman, and Customer Service.
After retiring from the CTA in 2012, she volunteered at O'Hare International Airport from 2013 to 2015 as a Customer Service Travel Aide, assisting customers in navigating around the airport, providing local directions for Chicago destinations, and directing travelers with basic needs to the proper resources.
In 2015 she joined Legacy Rail Operations, a leading rail operations consultant, as a consultant, and after two years with the company was promoted to her current position as Vice President, Capitol Projects.
As a rail transit professional, she accepted the challenges of providing the best possible service to customers, even during impactful infrastructure challenges, by developing safe operational strategies and consistently training personnel to adapt to the new normal that must accommodate both internal and external customers.
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
Melinda Bush was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in February 2023 by the Chair of the Lake County Board. A lifelong resident of Lake County, she has served as a Grayslake village board trustee, a member of the Lake County Board and a state senator.
Ms. Bush served as a Grayslake village board trustee for four years before serving on the Lake County Board for an additional four. She was elected in 2013 to serve as state senator for District 31. Throughout her many offices of public service, Ms. Bush has continued to fight for transparent, ethical government, and gender equality,
In the Illinois Senate, she served as a chair of the Environmental & Conservation Committee and Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee. Seeking to support funding for much needed infrastructure improvements, she was selected to serve as member of the state Transportation for Illinois Coalition.
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
- Citizens Advisory Board Member / Student Intern
Mimi L. Rodman was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in April 2023 by the suburban members of Cook County Board.
A resident of the Chicago area since college, Ms. Rodman most recently served as the Executive Director of Stand for Children Illinois, a national advocacy organization fighting for education equity and racial justice, where she was responsible for policy priorities, lobbying and advocacy strategies, and synergistic community-based programs.
Prior to her role as a nonprofit executive, Ms. Rodman was senior legal counsel at Tribune Company and a partner at Kirkland & Ellis. At Kirkland, she specialized in intellectual property and technology-related transactions and counseling.
Mrs. Rodman holds a B.A. with honors in Public Policy from the University of Chicago and received a Juris Doctor with honors from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.
She is married with two adult children.
Job Titles:
- Administrator for the Village of South Holland
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
Ms. Mahon is the deputy village administrator for the Village of South Holland.
She holds a bachelor's degree in international studies from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., and a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. After being permitted to practice law in Illinois in 1998, she went to work as chief legal counsel for a minority- and female-owned professional engineering firm. In 2001, she was appointed as the Village of South Holland's Director of Communications and EEO Officer, where she promoted the benefits of living and investing in South Holland. Prior to being appointed Director of Communications, she served as chair of the South Holland Neighborhood Groups Committee, chair of the Mediation Commission and interim president of the Parkside Neighborhood Association.
As deputy village administrator, Ms. Mahon assists the village administrator with managing the day-to-day operations of the village. As the former EEO Officer, she continues to work with all departments to ensure the recruitment, hiring and promotion of qualified minority and female employees, and provides legal advice on employee and labor relations issues.
Paul E. Ruffin was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in June 2021 by suburban members of the Cook County Board. Mr. Ruffin comes to the Board with nearly three decades of experience in account management, sales, and IT consulting, with special focus on process improvement, supplier diversity and minority business development.
Ricardo (Ric) Estrada was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in June 2021 by the mayor of Chicago.
Mr. Estrada has three decades of leadership in human services and is currently the CEO of Metropolitan Family Services, one of Illinois's largest human service agencies. Since joining Metropolitan in 2011, he has helped the agency more than double in revenue and families served.
Prior to joining Metropolitan Family Services, he served as the first deputy commissioner of the City of Chicago's Department of Family and Support Services and as executive director of Chicago's Erie Neighborhood House.
In addition to the Metra Board, Mr. Estrada currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and the Board of Directors of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, , the Grand Victoria Foundation and A Better Chicago.
His work and leadership have been recognized with honors and awards from the City Club of Chicago, the University of Illinois, University of Chicago, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. He has also been recognized as "Person of the Year" by the Corporate Responsibility Group of Chicago, received a Kellogg CEO Perspective Fellowship from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and selected as one of Crain's Chicago Business' "40 under 40."
Mr. Estrada holds an M.B.A. from the University of Illinois Chicago, an M.A. in Social Service Policy and Administration from the University of Chicago, and a B.S. in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago.
He and his wife reside in Chicago and are parents of two adult daughters.
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Chairman
Mr. Hart has almost 38 years of experience in transportation finance, beginning with 12 years employed at the Illinois Central Railroad then five years at Railroad Financial Corp. From 1995 to 2007 he worked as a banker in the Transportation group of ABN Amro Bank and then LaSalle Bank. He has been Vice President and Managing Director for Fifth Third Bank's Surface Transportation division since he joined the Bank and started the division in 2010.
He previously served as Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Products Delivery Officer for Bank of America in Chicago after B of A acquired LaSalle Bank in 2007. He has participated as a speaker or panelist at numerous railroad industry or transportation finance conferences. He is a member of the Northwestern University Transportation Center Business Advisory Committee. Mr. Hart earned a bachelor's degree (1977) and a M.B.A. (1978) from Northwestern University. While at Northwestern he worked part time for the Regional Transportation Authority.
Rob Hart has been a resident of the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park community in Chicago since 1984, and has been a Metra rider since 1978
Rodney S. Craig was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in 2014 by the suburban members of the Cook County Board. Mr. Craig has also served as the president of the Village of Hanover Park since 2007.
Rodney S. Craig was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in 2014 by the suburban members of the Cook County Board.
Mr. Craig, who has been president of the Village of Hanover Park since 2007, has resided in the village since 1974, following a six-year tour of duty in the United States Navy. Upon leaving the Navy Mr. Craig worked in systems operations for the Federal Aviation Administration retiring in 2009.
Mr. Craig entered public service in 1995, serving as a trustee of the Hanover Park Fire Protection District and becoming president of the district in 1999. During his tenure, he led the fire district in its transition to a municipal fire department. He was appointed village trustee in 2001 and was first elected village president in 2007.
He is a past president of the DuPage Mayors & Managers Conference and currently chairs its Inter-Governmental Committee. He is also active in the Northwest Municipal Conference, where he serves on the Transportation Committee; the Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus, where he serves on its Regional Economic Development Committee; and the Choose DuPage Executive Board. Additionally, he serves as secretary on the board of the Campanelli YMCA, is a member of the Schaumburg School District 54 Foundation, and is vice president of the Illinois Municipal League.
Mr. Craig is a graduate of Palatine Township High School, Harper College and Concordia University.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Professional Transit Manager
Romayne C. Brown was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in September 2013, and was elected Chair of the Metra Board in September 2020. She is a professional transit manager with more than 31 years of operational and customer service experience.
Romayne C. Brown was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in September 2013, was elected Vice Chair of the Metra Board in October 2016, and was elected Chair of the Metra Board in September 2020.
Ms. Brown is a professional transit manager with more than 31 years of operational and customer service experience at the Chicago Transit Authority. She started as a rail conductor in 1978 and worked her way through the ranks at the agency, finishing her CTA career in 2010 as the Vice President of Rail Operations.
In her last position, Ms. Brown oversaw a $1.3 billion budget and developed and administered policies, programs and procedures necessary to ensure the timely, clean, safe and courteous delivery of rail transit service to 550,000 customers a day. She also evaluated and monitored the performance of staff and analyzed the needs related to passenger service, budget and manpower planning, training, program and personnel development and safety functions and initiatives. And she developed policies and procedures for collective bargaining negotiations and worked to maintain effective relationships with labor unions, governmental entities, transportation officials and CTA staff.
Ms. Brown also served as Director of Rail Operations and General Manager of Rail Operations, where she oversaw the operational, maintenance, administrative and customer service functions for CTA's Elevated (Green, Orange and Brown Lines) as well as the Red, Purple and Yellow Lines. She was also Administrative Manager (Red Line), Transportation Manager, Rail Operations; Superintendent II, Rail Personnel; Superintendent, Procedural Control and Rail Terminal Clerk.
Among her professional achievements and special recognitions are receiving the Kathy Osterman Award for superior public service in 1997; being featured on the cover of Mass Transit magazine in June 2009; and receiving the Presidential Employee Excellence Award in 2007.
Ms. Brown attended classes at South Suburban College in South Holland, and is a 1999 graduate of the Chicago Transit Authority's Transit Management Program at Harold Washington College. She also attended the City of Chicago Intergovernmental Executive Development Program in 2003.
Ms. Brown is a native of Chicago's South Side who has lived in Dolton for more than 20 years.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs
Ms. Williams was named Assistant Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs in November 2022. She is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, implementation, administration, and operation of programs, services, and systems of the Marketing, Social Media & Graphic Design and Train Reporting and Customer Communications (TRACC) Center departments.
Prior to her promotion Ms. Williams was the Director of Metra's Office of Diversity & Business Enterprise. In her role as Director, she was responsible for managing Metra's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program and overseeing the daily activities of contract & labor compliance, DBE certification and community outreach.
Ms. Williams started her journey at Metra as a Compliance Analyst in the Office of Diversity & Civil Rights in 2011. During her career at Metra, she has developed and implemented policies, procedures, and audit reporting systems to ensure Metra's compliance with federal regulations and local statues.
Ms. Williams has over 22 years of compliance experience in government and over 11 years of experience in diversity and inclusion.
Ms. Williams is a graduate of APTA's 2019 Emerging Leaders Program and Leadership APTA Class of 2023.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a Master of Public Administration from Governor State University.
Stephen Palmer was appointed to the Metra Board of Directors in 2016 by suburban members of the Cook County Board. Mr. Palmer, a lifelong resident of the Village of La Grange, is the president of the Stadium Club Restaurant and Bar in McCook. He had been owner and operator of Palmer Place Restaurant, a casual dining restaurant in La Grange, from 1990 to 2022.
Job Titles:
- Chief Information Officer
Mr. Radecki was named Chief Information Officer in May 2020. Prior to this role, Mr. Radecki was responsible for leading Metra through the business process, technology, and organizational transformation necessary to move Metra's financial and payroll functions to Microsoft Dynamics's AX Enterprise Resource Planning software (ERP).
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
Taina Irish Rodriguez started her career as a Disability Rights Advocate with Access Living in the spring of 1999.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Deputy Executive Director, Administration
Mr. Stuebner was named Assistant Deputy Executive Director, Administration in April 2022. He is responsible for oversight of Metra's Administration team, which provides support through Procurement, Real Estate, Railroad Contract Management, Labor Relations, and more.
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
Job Titles:
- Cook County Board President
Job Titles:
- Chief Transportation Officer
Mr. Flores was appointed Chief Transportation Officer in June 2020. In this capacity, he is responsible for commuter operations on Metra owned and operated lines as well as those operated under purchase of service agreements with the BNSF and Union Pacific Railroads.
Job Titles:
- Citizens Advisory Board Member
William C. Lyman's 40-year career in railway transportation began with Santa Fe Railway in 1970 and led to assignments in California, Illinois, Kansas and Texas.
Job Titles:
- Chief Human Resources Officer
Mr. Buren was named Chief Human Resources Officer in October 2020. He oversees all human resources functions, including succession planning, talent development, performance management, beneļ¬ts, compensation, employee engagement, talent acquisition and EEO.