Chicago Transit Authority Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Chicago Transit Authority has 5 executives leading key functions including operations, finance, and strategy.

Driven by a commitment to public service, Chicago Transit Authority provides essential passenger bus and rail transportation, connecting communities and facilitating daily commutes across the region with a focus on reliability and accessibility.

Leadership Roles at Chicago Transit Authority

  • Chief Financial Officer - Thomas McKone
  • Acting President - Nora Leerhsen
  • Chief of Staff - Stephen Mayberry
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Ivan Hardaway
  • Chief Revenue Officer, ( Combined Rail & Operator - Xavier Epps
  • Thomas McKone - Chief Financial Officer

    Thomas McKone, the Chief Financial Officer at Chicago Transit Authority, oversees all financial operations and fiscal planning for the agency. McKone manages budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with governmental regulations and fiscal responsibility. This critical role involves developing financial strategies to support the agency's mission of providing reliable passenger bus and rail transportation. By securing funding, managing expenditures, and optimizing resource allocation, Thomas McKone ensures the long-term financial viability of Chicago Transit Authority. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with executive leadership to maintain fiscal discipline and drive efficiency across all operational facets, safeguarding the agency's assets and supporting its service commitments.

    Nora Leerhsen - Acting President

    Nora Leerhsen, the Acting President at Chicago Transit Authority, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the agency's comprehensive transportation services. Leerhsen guides the organization in fulfilling its mandate to deliver reliable passenger bus and rail transportation, overseeing all operational and administrative functions. This pivotal role involves fostering collaboration among departments to enhance service quality and operational efficiency. By championing innovation and strategic planning, Nora Leerhsen ensures the agency effectively meets the evolving transit needs of the Chicago metropolitan area. The Acting President is instrumental in maintaining stakeholder relations and advancing the agency's mission of providing accessible and sustainable public transportation solutions.

    Stephen Mayberry - Chief of Staff

    Stephen Mayberry, the Chief of Staff at Chicago Transit Authority, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across departments. Mayberry oversees the coordination of key projects, ensuring seamless execution of the agency's mission to provide efficient passenger bus and rail transportation. This leadership role involves close collaboration with executive leadership to translate policy directives into actionable plans. By managing internal communications and stakeholder engagement, Mayberry supports the overall strategic direction of the agency. The Chief of Staff ensures that departmental efforts are synchronized with the broader goals of enhancing public transit services for the Chicago metropolitan area. Mayberry's focus remains on optimizing internal processes and fostering a culture of accountability to drive service improvements.

    Ivan Hardaway - Chief Revenue Officer

    Ivan Hardaway, the Chief Revenue Officer at Chicago Transit Authority, spearheads revenue generation and financial strategy for the agency's transportation services. Hardaway directs efforts to maximize income streams from passenger bus and rail operations, focusing on fare structures, advertising, and ancillary services. This executive role involves analyzing market trends and identifying new opportunities for revenue growth to support operational sustainability. By optimizing pricing models and developing innovative service offerings, Ivan Hardaway ensures the financial health of the transit system. The Chief Revenue Officer collaborates with operational teams to enhance ridership and customer value, directly impacting the agency's ability to fund essential services and infrastructure improvements across the Chicago region.

    Xavier Epps - Chief Revenue Officer, ( Combined Rail & Operator

    Xavier Epps, the Chief Revenue Officer, ( Combined Rail & Operator at Chicago Transit Authority, drives revenue optimization across both rail and bus transportation services. Epps focuses on enhancing ridership and developing strategic initiatives to increase farebox recovery and non-fare revenue streams. This executive position involves detailed analysis of operational performance and market demand to identify growth opportunities. By aligning revenue strategies with service delivery, Xavier Epps ensures the financial sustainability of the agency's extensive transit network. The Chief Revenue Officer, ( Combined Rail & Operator collaborates with departmental heads to implement programs that boost passenger engagement and revenue generation, directly supporting the agency's commitment to accessible and efficient public transit.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Chicago Transit Authority Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Chicago Transit Authority?
    Chicago Transit Authority is led by Thomas McKone (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Nora Leerhsen (Acting President) and Stephen Mayberry (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Chicago Transit Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Chicago Transit Authority includes leaders such as Thomas McKone (Chief Financial Officer), Nora Leerhsen (Acting President), Stephen Mayberry (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Chicago Transit Authority have?
    Chicago Transit Authority has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Chicago Transit Authority’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Chicago Transit Authority includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Acting President, Chief of Staff, Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Revenue Officer, ( Combined Rail & Operator.