DART Executive and Leadership Team

David Leininger, the Interim President & Chief Executive Officer at DART, directs the overarching strategic vision for the agency. Overseeing the integration of bus, light rail, and commuter rail networks, the Interim President & Chief Executive Officer ensures operational excellence across all transit modes. This leadership role involves managing complex fiscal budgets and coordinating with the Board to maintain high-occupancy vehicle lanes throughout the region. By aligning departmental goals with long-term infrastructure development, David Leininger drives the expansion of transit accessibility for the Dallas community. Leininger maintains a focus on sustainable growth and service reliability, ensuring that the agency meets the evolving transportation needs of the public. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Interim President & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and operational stability required to support a robust, multi-modal transit system that serves millions of passengers annually.

Kay Shelton, the Chief of Staff at DART, manages the internal coordination of executive functions and organizational workflows. Overseeing the alignment of departmental priorities, the Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the executive office and various transit divisions. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to improve agency efficiency and responsiveness to public transit demands. By optimizing internal governance structures, Kay Shelton drives the execution of key policy initiatives that support the broader mission of the agency. Shelton monitors the progress of critical projects, ensuring that all operational units remain synchronized with the strategic objectives set by the leadership team. Through the management of high-level organizational tasks, the Chief of Staff maintains the operational integrity of the agency, fostering a collaborative environment that enables the successful delivery of bus and rail services across the entire service area.

Julius Smith, the Vice President Chief Information Officer at DART, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern transit operations. Overseeing the implementation of advanced data systems and cybersecurity protocols, the Vice President Chief Information Officer ensures the reliability of passenger-facing technology and internal network security. This leadership role involves modernizing ticketing platforms and real-time tracking systems to enhance the commuter experience. By leveraging data analytics to optimize route efficiency and maintenance scheduling, Julius Smith drives technological innovation across the agency. Smith collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate digital solutions that support the expansion of light rail and bus services. Through the continuous improvement of information systems, the Vice President Chief Information Officer maintains the technological backbone of the agency, ensuring that all digital assets remain secure, scalable, and fully aligned with the evolving requirements of a major metropolitan transit provider.

Holly Roberts, the Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at DART, coordinates the administrative functions supporting the human capital strategy. Overseeing the scheduling and documentation of critical personnel initiatives, the Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the department maintains focus on talent acquisition and employee development. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information between the human resources division and the broader executive team to facilitate efficient decision-making. By organizing key meetings and tracking departmental milestones, Holly Roberts drives the operational success of workforce management programs. Roberts supports the implementation of policies that enhance staff retention and professional growth within the transit agency. Through the meticulous management of administrative workflows, the Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer enables the department to effectively support the thousands of employees who operate the bus and rail networks.

Lucy Sixtos, the Assistant VP, To In Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Amp at DART, manages the specialized technical projects that support the agency's digital transformation. Overseeing the deployment of specific software applications and hardware upgrades, the Assistant VP, To In Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Amp ensures that technical teams remain focused on improving passenger connectivity. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between high-level IT strategy and the practical implementation of transit-focused technology solutions. By coordinating cross-functional teams, Lucy Sixtos drives the successful rollout of new digital tools that enhance the efficiency of bus and rail operations. Sixtos monitors system performance metrics to identify opportunities for technical optimization. Through the management of these critical IT initiatives, the Assistant VP, To In Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Amp ensures that the agency maintains a modern, responsive, and reliable technological environment for all commuters.

Mauro Calcano, the Chief People Officer at DART, directs the comprehensive human resources strategy for the entire transit workforce. Overseeing the recruitment, training, and retention of personnel, the Chief People Officer ensures that the agency maintains a highly skilled team capable of operating complex bus and rail systems. This leadership role involves developing organizational culture initiatives and managing labor relations to foster a productive work environment. By implementing robust professional development programs, Mauro Calcano drives the growth of internal talent and ensures compliance with industry standards. Calcano collaborates with other executives to align workforce capabilities with the long-term operational goals of the agency. Through the strategic management of human capital, the Chief People Officer secures the stability and performance of the workforce, ensuring that the agency remains well-equipped to provide safe and reliable transportation services to the public across the region.

Jeamy Molina, the Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer at DART, manages the public image and stakeholder engagement strategies for the agency. Overseeing the dissemination of information regarding transit services, the Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer ensures that the public remains informed about bus and rail schedules, service changes, and infrastructure projects. This leadership role involves crafting messaging that promotes the value of public transit to the community and regional stakeholders. By directing media relations and community outreach programs, Jeamy Molina drives public awareness and support for the agency's mission. Molina coordinates with other executive leaders to ensure that all external communications remain consistent with the strategic goals of the organization. Through the management of these vital communication channels, the Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer maintains transparency and fosters positive relationships with the diverse populations served by the transit network.

Paul Bourzikas, the Assistant Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, Trinity Railway Express at DART, directs the administrative and operational functions specific to the commuter rail division. Overseeing the daily management of rail services, the Assistant Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, Trinity Railway Express ensures that the commuter rail network operates with maximum efficiency and safety. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional partners to maintain service standards and infrastructure integrity. By managing the administrative requirements of the rail division, Paul Bourzikas drives the successful delivery of commuter transportation services. Bourzikas monitors operational performance and implements process improvements to enhance the reliability of the rail line. Through the focused management of these administrative and operational duties, the Assistant Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, Trinity Railway Express ensures that the commuter rail system remains a vital component of the broader transit network, providing essential connectivity for passengers throughout the metropolitan area.