Chicago Transit Authority Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Chicago Transit Authority has 6 executives leading key functions including operations, revenue generation, financial management, administrative coordination, rail logistics, and executive leadership.

Committed to reliable urban mobility, Chicago Transit Authority delivers essential passenger bus and rail transportation services across the region while maintaining a focus on operational excellence and public service accessibility.

Leadership Roles at Chicago Transit Authority

  • Chief Financial Officer - Tom McKone
  • 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
  • Tom McKone - Chief Financial Officer

    Tom McKone, the Chief Financial Officer at Chicago Transit Authority, oversees all budgetary planning, capital investment strategies, and fiscal reporting. Managing the allocation of federal and state grants, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the agency maintains a balanced budget while funding critical infrastructure upgrades. This leadership role involves rigorous auditing of expenditures to guarantee transparency and compliance with governmental regulations. By optimizing the capital improvement program, Tom McKone directly impacts the long-term viability of the rail and bus networks. McKone coordinates with the board to present financial forecasts and secure necessary funding for future expansion. Through the management of debt obligations and pension liabilities, the Chief Financial Officer protects the fiscal interests of the agency. McKone maintains a disciplined approach to cost control to ensure that resources support core transit services. Ultimately, McKone secures the financial foundation required for sustainable public transportation growth.

    Cara Bader - Chief Operating Officer

    Cara Bader, the Chief Operating Officer at Chicago Transit Authority, directs all daily bus and rail transit operations. Overseeing the maintenance of the entire fleet, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that service schedules remain consistent across the metropolitan area. This leadership role involves managing complex logistics to optimize passenger flow and safety protocols. By implementing rigorous performance standards, Cara Bader directly impacts the efficiency of the transit network. Bader coordinates with maintenance teams to reduce vehicle downtime and improve service reliability. Through the management of large-scale infrastructure projects, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of providing seamless public transportation. Bader maintains high operational standards to ensure that the agency meets the daily demands of commuters. Ultimately, Bader secures the operational integrity of the transit system through proactive management and strategic oversight of all field personnel and technical support departments.

    Nora Leerhsen - Acting President

    Nora Leerhsen, the Acting President at Chicago Transit Authority, provides overall strategic direction and executive leadership for the entire agency. Overseeing the implementation of long-term transit goals, the Acting President ensures that the organization fulfills its mandate to provide reliable transportation services. This leadership role involves representing the agency before the board and public officials to advocate for transit funding and policy support. By fostering collaboration across all departments, Nora Leerhsen directly impacts the success of the agency's mission. Leerhsen manages the executive team to ensure that operational, financial, and revenue goals remain synchronized. Through the promotion of innovation in public transit, the Acting President drives the modernization of the bus and rail systems. Leerhsen maintains a focus on public safety and service quality to meet the needs of the community. Ultimately, Leerhsen secures the future of the agency by guiding the organization through complex urban transit challenges.

    Dwayne Miller - Chief Revenue Officer

    Dwayne Miller, the Chief Revenue Officer at Chicago Transit Authority, manages all fare collection systems and non-fare revenue streams. Overseeing the modernization of payment technologies, the Chief Revenue Officer drives initiatives to increase ridership and optimize pricing structures. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to maximize financial returns from advertising and real estate assets. By streamlining the customer experience, Dwayne Miller directly impacts the fiscal health of the agency. Miller collaborates with the finance department to forecast revenue growth and identify new funding opportunities. Through the implementation of digital ticketing solutions, the Chief Revenue Officer enhances accessibility for all passengers. Miller maintains a focus on long-term sustainability by diversifying income sources beyond traditional farebox recovery. Ultimately, Miller secures the financial stability of the organization by aligning revenue strategies with the evolving needs of the urban transit market.

    Stephen Mayberry - Chief of Staff

    Stephen Mayberry, the Chief of Staff at Chicago Transit Authority, coordinates executive communications and manages the strategic priorities of the leadership team. Overseeing the internal policy development process, the Chief of Staff ensures that all departments remain aligned with the agency's mission. This leadership role involves facilitating high-level meetings and managing relationships with external stakeholders and governmental partners. By streamlining administrative workflows, Stephen Mayberry directly impacts the speed and effectiveness of organizational decision-making. Mayberry monitors the progress of key initiatives to ensure that the agency meets its performance targets. Through the management of special projects, the Chief of Staff supports the implementation of new transit policies and community engagement programs. Mayberry maintains a focus on organizational culture and internal transparency to foster a productive work environment. Ultimately, Mayberry secures the operational cohesion of the executive office by managing the flow of information and resources across the agency.

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

    Xavier Epps, the Chief Revenue Officer, ( Combined Rail & Operator at Chicago Transit Authority, focuses exclusively on revenue optimization within the rail and bus operator divisions. Overseeing the integration of fare systems across both modes of transport, the Chief Revenue Officer, ( Combined Rail & Operator drives strategies to increase ridership through targeted service improvements. This leadership role involves analyzing operator performance data to identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue growth. By enhancing the efficiency of rail and bus operations, Xavier Epps directly impacts the overall profitability of the transit network. Epps collaborates with operational managers to ensure that service delivery aligns with passenger demand patterns. Through the development of incentive programs for operators, the Chief Revenue Officer, ( Combined Rail & Operator improves service quality and customer satisfaction. Epps maintains a focus on data-driven decision-making to maximize the return on operational investments. Ultimately, Epps secures the financial performance of the transit system by optimizing the intersection of rail and bus service delivery.

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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 Tom McKone (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Cara Bader (Chief Operating Officer) and Nora Leerhsen (Acting President).
    Who is part of Chicago Transit Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Chicago Transit Authority includes leaders such as Tom McKone (Chief Financial Officer), Cara Bader (Chief Operating Officer), Nora Leerhsen (Acting President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Chicago Transit Authority have?
    Chicago Transit Authority has 6 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, Chief Operating Officer, Acting President, Chief Revenue Officer, Chief of Staff.