Metro Transit Executive and Leadership Team

Brian Funk, the Chief Operating Officer at Metro Transit, directs the daily execution of public bus and rail services across the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan regions. Funk oversees the integration of transit schedules, fleet maintenance, and infrastructure reliability to ensure seamless passenger experiences. The Chief Operating Officer manages the complex logistics of a large-scale transportation network, balancing service frequency with resource allocation. Brian Funk collaborates with security teams to maintain safety standards across all transit corridors. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances system-wide performance and reliability for daily commuters. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of service data to identify bottlenecks and implement immediate corrective actions. Through strategic planning and tactical execution, Funk maintains the integrity of the transit network. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer drives the agency toward higher standards of operational excellence and service accessibility for the entire community.

Amanda Wanke, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Administrative Operations Metro Transit at Metro Transit, manages the essential business functions that support the agency's public transportation mission. Wanke oversees human resources, procurement, and administrative policy development to ensure the organization functions with maximum efficiency. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Administrative Operations Metro Transit aligns internal support systems with the operational demands of the Minneapolis and St. Paul transit networks. Amanda Wanke directs the implementation of administrative frameworks that facilitate smooth collaboration between departments. By optimizing back-office processes, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Administrative Operations Metro Transit enables frontline staff to focus on service delivery and passenger safety. This role involves managing complex regulatory compliance and resource allocation to support long-term agency sustainability. Through strategic administrative leadership, Wanke ensures the organization remains agile and responsive to the needs of the regional transit system and the public.

Miles Turpin, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transportation at Metro Transit, leads the frontline transit operations and workforce management for the Minneapolis and St. Paul bus and rail systems. Turpin directs the deployment of operators and field staff to ensure consistent service delivery across the entire regional network. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transportation monitors real-time transit performance and manages the tactical response to service disruptions or infrastructure challenges. Miles Turpin coordinates with maintenance and security teams to uphold safety protocols and operational standards. By focusing on the human element of transit, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transportation drives workforce engagement and service quality. This leadership role involves analyzing ridership patterns to adjust service levels and improve the overall passenger experience. Through direct oversight of transportation activities, Turpin ensures the agency meets its commitment to providing reliable, safe, and efficient public mobility solutions for the metropolitan area.

Jillian Linnell, the Chief of Staff at Metro Transit, coordinates executive workflows and aligns departmental objectives with the broader mission of providing efficient public transportation. Linnell manages internal communications and facilitates high-level decision-making processes to ensure organizational cohesion across the Minneapolis and St. Paul service areas. By streamlining administrative functions, the Chief of Staff supports the executive team in executing long-term transit goals. Jillian Linnell maintains close collaboration with the Board and senior leadership to monitor performance metrics and operational efficiency. This role involves translating complex policy requirements into actionable directives for the entire agency. Through rigorous oversight of internal projects, the Chief of Staff drives continuous improvement in service delivery. Ultimately, Linnell secures the operational stability necessary for the agency to meet the evolving mobility needs of the metropolitan population while maintaining fiscal responsibility and public trust.