Chicago Transit Authority Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Chicago Transit Authority has 5 executives leading key functions including revenue generation, operations, strategic alignment, and executive leadership.

Driven by a commitment to efficient 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 Operating Officer - Cara Bader
  • Acting President - Nora Leerhsen
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Dwayne Miller
  • Chief of Staff - Stephen Mayberry
  • Chief Revenue Officer, ( Combined Rail & Operator - Xavier Epps
  • Cara Bader - Chief Operating Officer

    Cara Bader, the Chief Operating Officer at Chicago Transit Authority, directs the day-to-day operational execution of bus and rail services. Bader oversees all aspects of service delivery, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency across the entire network. This critical role involves managing a vast workforce, including operators and maintenance personnel, to maintain service schedules and respond effectively to disruptions. Bader's responsibilities extend to optimizing route performance, managing fleet operations, and implementing operational improvements that enhance the rider experience. By focusing on operational excellence, Cara Bader ensures the seamless functioning of Chicago's public transportation system, directly impacting commuter satisfaction and the agency's ability to meet service level agreements. The operational oversight provided by Bader is fundamental to the agency's mission of providing accessible transit.

    Nora Leerhsen - Acting President

    Nora Leerhsen, the Acting President at Chicago Transit Authority, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire organization. Leerhsen oversees all agency operations, financial management, and long-term planning initiatives, ensuring the agency fulfills its public service mandate. This pivotal role involves guiding the executive team, fostering stakeholder relationships, and championing the agency's mission to provide reliable and accessible transportation services. Leerhsen's leadership focuses on enhancing service quality, promoting operational efficiency, and ensuring the financial stability of the transit system. By directing strategic priorities and overseeing departmental performance, Nora Leerhsen is instrumental in advancing the Chicago Transit Authority's objectives and serving the needs of the region's commuters. The overarching guidance from Leerhsen shapes the agency's future.

    Dwayne Miller - Chief Revenue Officer

    Dwayne Miller, the Chief Revenue Officer at Chicago Transit Authority, directs all revenue-generating activities and financial strategies. Miller oversees the development and execution of initiatives aimed at maximizing farebox revenue and exploring new income streams to support operational needs. This leadership role involves close collaboration with marketing and service planning teams to ensure fare structures and service offerings align with ridership demands and financial targets. Miller's focus remains on enhancing the financial sustainability of the agency through innovative revenue management and strategic partnerships. By analyzing market trends and passenger behavior, Dwayne Miller drives the financial performance of the transit system, ensuring resources are available for service improvements and infrastructure maintenance.

    Stephen Mayberry - Chief of Staff

    Stephen Mayberry, the Chief of Staff at Chicago Transit Authority, provides strategic support and operational coordination across executive functions. Mayberry manages key initiatives, facilitates communication between departments, and ensures alignment with the agency's strategic objectives. This role involves preparing executive briefings, overseeing special projects, and acting as a liaison for the executive leadership team. Mayberry's responsibilities include driving cross-functional collaboration and ensuring that operational plans are effectively implemented. By streamlining internal processes and enhancing organizational efficiency, Stephen Mayberry supports the overall leadership of the transit authority. The strategic guidance and project management offered by Mayberry are essential for advancing the agency's goals and maintaining effective governance.

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

    Xavier Epps, the Chief Revenue Officer, ( Combined Rail & Operator at Chicago Transit Authority, spearheads revenue generation strategies specifically for rail and operator services. Epps focuses on optimizing fare collection systems, developing dynamic pricing models, and identifying new revenue opportunities within these core service areas. This leadership position involves analyzing ridership data to inform service planning and revenue forecasting for both rail and bus operations. Epps works to enhance the financial performance of these critical transit components, ensuring their contribution to the agency's overall fiscal health. By driving targeted revenue initiatives, Xavier Epps plays a vital role in the financial sustainability and growth of Chicago's public transportation network. The specialized revenue focus of Epps is key to maximizing income from essential transit services.

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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 Cara Bader (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Nora Leerhsen (Acting President) and Dwayne Miller (Chief Revenue Officer).
    Who is part of Chicago Transit Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Chicago Transit Authority includes leaders such as Cara Bader (Chief Operating Officer), Nora Leerhsen (Acting President), Dwayne Miller (Chief Revenue Officer) 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 Operating Officer, Acting President, Chief Revenue Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Revenue Officer, ( Combined Rail & Operator.