DART Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

DART has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human resources, and technology.

Driven by a commitment to public service, DART operates buses, light rail, commuter rail, and high-occupancy vehicle lanes, connecting communities across Dallas and its suburbs with essential transportation solutions.

Leadership Roles at DART

  • Interim President & Chief Executive Officer - David Leininger
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Thom Taylor
  • Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Russell Stone
  • Chief of Staff - Kay Shelton
  • Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Holly Roberts
  • Assistant VP, To In Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Amp - Lucy Sixtos
  • Vice President Chief Information Officer - Julius Smith
  • Chief People Officer - Mauro Calcano
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer - Jeamy Molina
  • David Leininger - Interim President & Chief Executive Officer

    David Leininger, the Interim President & Chief Executive Officer at DART, directs the agency's strategic vision and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding DART's extensive network of buses, light rail, and commuter rail services across Dallas and its surrounding suburbs. Leininger oversees all facets of the transit system, ensuring efficient service delivery and alignment with the agency's mission to provide accessible and reliable transportation. The focus remains on enhancing commuter experience and expanding service reach. David Leininger drives initiatives to optimize resource allocation and foster innovation within the transportation sector. This executive guides the organization through critical transitions, maintaining service continuity and advancing long-term growth objectives for the Dallas area transit infrastructure.
    David Leininger

    Thom Taylor - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Thom Taylor, the President & Chief Executive Officer at DART, spearheads the overall strategic direction and operational management of the transit agency. This executive is responsible for the comprehensive oversight of DART's diverse transportation services, including its extensive bus routes, light rail, and commuter rail operations throughout Dallas and its suburban communities. Taylor's leadership ensures the effective functioning of the agency's infrastructure and service delivery, aiming to enhance mobility and connectivity for residents. The role involves fostering a culture of operational excellence and strategic development to meet evolving transit demands. Thom Taylor drives the organization's commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation, solidifying DART's position as a vital community asset and advancing its mission across the North Texas region.

    Russell Stone - Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Russell Stone, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at DART, oversees the day-to-day operational management of the transit agency's extensive network. This executive is responsible for ensuring the efficient and reliable delivery of services across DART's bus, light rail, and commuter rail systems throughout Dallas and its suburbs. Stone's leadership focuses on optimizing operational performance, managing fleet maintenance, and coordinating service schedules to meet commuter demands. The role involves driving efficiency improvements and maintaining the highest standards of safety and service quality. Russell Stone directs efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, ensuring seamless transit experiences for passengers and supporting the agency's strategic objectives for growth and service expansion across the region.
    Russell Stone

    Kay Shelton - Chief of Staff

    Kay Shelton, the Chief of Staff at DART, provides critical support and strategic coordination across the executive leadership team. This role involves managing key initiatives, facilitating communication between departments, and ensuring the efficient execution of organizational priorities. Shelton works closely with senior leadership to streamline operations and enhance decision-making processes. The focus is on aligning departmental efforts with DART's overarching mission of providing comprehensive transit services. Kay Shelton plays a pivotal part in optimizing internal workflows and supporting the strategic objectives of the agency's bus and rail operations. This position requires a deep understanding of transit management and a commitment to operational effectiveness across the Dallas metropolitan area.

    Holly Roberts - Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Holly Roberts, the Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at DART, provides essential administrative and operational support to the human resources leadership. This role is crucial for the smooth functioning of the HR department, managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and facilitating communication for the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Roberts ensures that HR-related administrative tasks are handled efficiently, supporting the department's efforts in employee relations, talent management, and organizational development. The position directly contributes to the effective management of DART's workforce, ensuring that human resources functions align with the agency's broader operational goals. Holly Roberts's support is vital for maintaining HR's capacity to serve DART's extensive employee base across its transit network.

    Lucy Sixtos - Assistant VP, To In Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Amp

    Lucy Sixtos, the Assistant VP, To In Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Amp at DART, supports the strategic direction and operational execution of the agency's information technology initiatives. This role is integral to managing and enhancing the technological infrastructure that underpins DART's extensive transit operations, including its bus and rail systems. Sixtos contributes to the oversight of IT projects, ensuring that technology solutions support operational efficiency and service delivery across Dallas and its suburbs. The focus is on leveraging technology to improve passenger experience and internal processes. Lucy Sixtos assists in the implementation of IT strategies that drive innovation and maintain the integrity of DART's digital systems, supporting the agency's mission.

    Julius Smith - Vice President Chief Information Officer

    Julius Smith, the Vice President Chief Information Officer at DART, directs the agency's comprehensive information technology strategy and operations. This executive is responsible for overseeing all aspects of DART's technology infrastructure, ensuring its alignment with the organization's mission to provide efficient and reliable public transportation. Smith's leadership focuses on implementing innovative technological solutions that enhance the performance of DART's bus, light rail, and commuter rail services across Dallas and its surrounding areas. The role involves managing IT resources, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives to support operational excellence and improve the commuter experience. Julius Smith drives the integration of advanced technologies to optimize service delivery and maintain the agency's competitive edge in the transportation sector.

    Mauro Calcano - Chief People Officer

    Mauro Calcano, the Chief People Officer at DART, leads the human resources strategy and operations, focusing on talent management, employee development, and organizational culture. This executive is responsible for cultivating a skilled and engaged workforce that supports DART's mission of providing essential public transportation services across Dallas and its suburbs. Calcano drives initiatives to attract, retain, and develop talent, ensuring that DART has the necessary human capital to operate its bus, light rail, and commuter rail systems effectively. The role emphasizes fostering a positive work environment and aligning HR practices with the agency's strategic goals. Mauro Calcano plays a key part in shaping DART's employee experience and ensuring operational continuity through robust people management strategies.

    Jeamy Molina - Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer

    Jeamy Molina, the Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer at DART, directs the agency's comprehensive communication strategies and public relations efforts. This executive is responsible for shaping DART's public image and ensuring clear, consistent messaging across all platforms, supporting the agency's mission to serve the Dallas community and its surrounding suburbs. Molina oversees media relations, internal communications, and community outreach programs, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and the public. The focus is on enhancing transparency and engagement regarding DART's bus, light rail, and commuter rail services. Jeamy Molina's leadership ensures that DART's strategic initiatives and operational updates are effectively communicated, reinforcing the agency's commitment to accessible and reliable transportation solutions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DART Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads DART?
    DART is led by David Leininger (Interim President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thom Taylor (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Russell Stone (Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of DART’s executive team?
    The executive team of DART includes leaders such as David Leininger (Interim President & Chief Executive Officer), Thom Taylor (President & Chief Executive Officer), Russell Stone (Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does DART have?
    DART has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in DART’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of DART includes roles such as Interim President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.