Metra Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Metra has 7 executives leading key functions including strategic oversight, human resources, financial management, and operational logistics.

Committed to regional connectivity, Metra delivers essential commuter rail services across northeastern Illinois. This organization prioritizes safe, reliable transit solutions to support the daily mobility needs of the North American workforce.

Leadership Roles at Metra

  • Chief Executive Officer - Yotam Keduri
  • Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer - Donald Orseno
  • Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer - James Derwinski
  • Senior Corporate Director, Financial Affairs and Chief Financial Officer - Frank Racibozynski
  • Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer - Kevin McCann
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Brenda Smith
  • Chief Operations Officer - Peter Zwolfer
  • Yotam Keduri - Chief Executive Officer

    Yotam Keduri, the Chief Executive Officer at Metra, directs the overarching strategic vision for the commuter rail network. Keduri manages high-level corporate governance while ensuring alignment with regional transportation mandates across northeastern Illinois. By analyzing ridership data and infrastructure requirements, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes service delivery for thousands of daily commuters. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure funding and prioritize capital improvement projects. Yotam Keduri maintains a focus on long-term sustainability and system efficiency, ensuring the rail network remains a vital component of the regional transit landscape. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer drives continuous improvement in service reliability. Ultimately, Keduri secures the operational integrity of the entire rail system, fostering a culture of safety and excellence that defines the daily experience for passengers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

    Donald Orseno - Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

    Donald Orseno, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer at Metra, manages the complex administrative and operational frameworks governing the rail system. Orseno oversees the execution of large-scale transit initiatives, ensuring that the commuter rail network meets the evolving demands of the North American transportation sector. By coordinating with regional stakeholders, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer aligns service schedules with public transit needs across multiple counties. This leadership position requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the necessity of maintaining aging infrastructure. Donald Orseno drives strategic planning efforts to modernize rolling stock and improve station accessibility. Through the management of cross-functional teams, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer ensures that safety protocols remain the highest priority during daily operations. Ultimately, Orseno maintains the operational continuity of the rail network, providing reliable transit options for the diverse population residing within the northeastern Illinois region.
    Donald Orseno

    James Derwinski - Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

    James Derwinski, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer at Metra, architects the technical and mechanical strategies necessary for maintaining a robust commuter rail fleet. Derwinski focuses on the engineering standards and maintenance programs that keep the rail system operational across the vast northeastern Illinois territory. By supervising the technical departments, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all locomotives and passenger cars adhere to strict safety and performance benchmarks. This role involves managing complex supply chains for parts and equipment, which directly impacts the frequency and reliability of train service. James Derwinski drives innovation in fleet management, implementing new technologies to reduce downtime and enhance passenger comfort. Through the oversight of maintenance facilities, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer guarantees that the rail infrastructure supports the high volume of daily commuters. Ultimately, Derwinski secures the mechanical reliability of the entire network, ensuring consistent service delivery.
    James Derwinski

    Frank Racibozynski - Senior Corporate Director, Financial Affairs and Chief Financial Officer

    Frank Racibozynski, the Senior Corporate Director, Financial Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at Metra, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the commuter rail system. Racibozynski oversees the allocation of capital funds, revenue collection, and grant management, ensuring that the organization maintains financial stability while delivering essential transit services. By analyzing economic trends and ridership revenue, the Senior Corporate Director, Financial Affairs and Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights necessary for long-term strategic planning. This role involves coordinating with government agencies to secure public funding and managing the complex financial reporting requirements of a public transportation entity. Frank Racibozynski drives cost-efficiency initiatives across all departments, optimizing resource utilization to support infrastructure improvements. Through the oversight of financial audits and risk management, the Senior Corporate Director, Financial Affairs and Chief Financial Officer guarantees transparency and accountability. Ultimately, Racibozynski secures the financial resources needed to sustain the rail network's operations.

    Kevin McCann - Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer

    Kevin McCann, the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at Metra, directs the day-to-day operational activities and service delivery protocols for the commuter rail network. McCann oversees the coordination of train schedules, station management, and passenger services across the northeastern Illinois region. By monitoring real-time operational data, the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer ensures that the rail system maintains high levels of punctuality and safety for all commuters. This leadership role involves managing the complex logistics of track maintenance and traffic control, which are critical for preventing service disruptions. Kevin McCann drives operational excellence by implementing process improvements that streamline daily transit functions. Through the supervision of field operations and station staff, the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer guarantees a consistent and reliable experience for passengers. Ultimately, McCann secures the operational efficiency of the entire rail system, supporting the daily mobility needs of the regional population.

    Brenda Smith - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Brenda Smith, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Metra, directs the talent acquisition, labor relations, and workforce development strategies for the entire organization. Smith manages the complex human capital requirements of a large-scale commuter rail system, ensuring that all departments possess the necessary expertise to maintain safe and efficient operations. By fostering a culture of professional development, the Chief Human Resources Officer aligns employee performance with the broader mission of providing reliable transit across northeastern Illinois. This leadership role involves navigating intricate union negotiations and implementing comprehensive safety training programs for all staff members. Brenda Smith drives initiatives to improve workplace diversity and inclusion, strengthening the organizational foundation. Through the management of benefits and compensation structures, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the retention of skilled personnel essential for daily rail operations. Ultimately, Smith secures the human capital stability required to support the ongoing growth and operational success of the rail network.

    Peter Zwolfer - Chief Operations Officer

    Peter Zwolfer, the Chief Operations Officer at Metra, manages the technical infrastructure and safety systems that underpin the commuter rail network. Zwolfer focuses on the integration of signaling, communication, and track safety technologies to ensure the secure movement of trains across the northeastern Illinois territory. By overseeing the technical operations teams, the Chief Operations Officer maintains the integrity of the rail infrastructure, preventing failures that could impact service reliability. This role involves coordinating with engineering departments to execute capital projects that modernize the rail system's physical assets. Peter Zwolfer drives the implementation of advanced safety protocols, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Through the management of emergency response planning and system-wide safety audits, the Chief Operations Officer guarantees that the rail network operates under the highest safety standards. Ultimately, Zwolfer secures the technical foundation of the rail system, enabling the consistent and safe delivery of commuter services.
    Peter Zwolfer

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Metra Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Metra?
    Metra is led by Yotam Keduri (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Donald Orseno (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer) and James Derwinski (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Metra’s executive team?
    The executive team of Metra includes leaders such as Yotam Keduri (Chief Executive Officer), Donald Orseno (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer), James Derwinski (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Metra have?
    Metra has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Metra’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Metra includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Corporate Director, Financial Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.