Metro Transit Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Metro Transit has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, administrative management, transportation logistics, and executive coordination.

Committed to reliable public mobility, Metro Transit delivers essential bus and rail services across the Minneapolis and St. Paul regions while maintaining rigorous safety standards for all passengers.

Leadership Roles at Metro Transit

  • Chief Operating Officer - Brian Funk
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Administrative Operations Metro Transit - Amanda Wanke
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transportation - Miles Turpin
  • Chief of Staff - Jillian Linnell
  • Brian Funk - Chief Operating Officer

    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 areas. Funk manages the complex integration of transit schedules, fleet maintenance, and infrastructure reliability to ensure seamless passenger experiences. By overseeing the deployment of resources, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high service standards and operational efficiency throughout the entire network. Brian Funk collaborates with the Board to align transit capacity with shifting urban demand, driving long-term improvements in system performance. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of service metrics to optimize route coverage and frequency. Through the implementation of advanced transit technologies, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the overall safety and accessibility of the regional transportation grid. Funk secures the operational integrity of the organization by prioritizing consistent service delivery and proactive maintenance protocols across all transit lines.

    Amanda Wanke - Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Administrative Operations Metro Transit

    Amanda Wanke, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Administrative Operations Metro Transit at Metro Transit, manages the internal business functions that support the delivery of public transportation services. Wanke oversees human resources, procurement, and financial planning to ensure that the operational divisions possess the necessary resources for daily success. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Administrative Operations Metro Transit architects scalable administrative frameworks that enhance organizational productivity and compliance. Amanda Wanke aligns administrative policies with the strategic vision of the company, fostering a culture of efficiency and accountability. By optimizing internal processes, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Administrative Operations Metro Transit supports the broader goal of maintaining a robust transit infrastructure. This leadership role involves managing complex budgets and resource allocation strategies to sustain long-term growth. Wanke ensures that all administrative operations remain focused on supporting the frontline staff who provide essential mobility services to the Minneapolis and St. Paul communities.

    Miles Turpin - Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transportation

    Miles Turpin, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transportation at Metro Transit, manages the frontline transit workforce and the daily movement of buses and trains across the regional network. Turpin oversees the scheduling, training, and performance of operators to ensure consistent service delivery throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transportation drives initiatives to improve route reliability and passenger safety, working closely with the Metro Transit Police to maintain secure environments. Miles Turpin monitors real-time transit data to adjust service levels based on fluctuating demand, ensuring that the transportation system remains responsive to public needs. This leadership role involves managing the logistical complexities of a large-scale transit operation, including fleet deployment and emergency response coordination. By focusing on operational excellence, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transportation supports the company mission of providing dependable, high-quality public transit options for all regional commuters.

    Jillian Linnell - Chief of Staff

    Jillian Linnell, the Chief of Staff at Metro Transit, coordinates strategic initiatives and facilitates communication between executive leadership and departmental heads. Linnell manages the internal workflow of the executive office, ensuring that organizational goals remain aligned with the broader mission of providing reliable public transportation. The Chief of Staff synthesizes complex data from various divisions to support informed decision-making processes at the highest level. Jillian Linnell drives cross-functional collaboration, enabling the organization to respond effectively to regional transit challenges and policy requirements. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff improves the agility of the leadership team. This role involves managing high-priority projects that impact the long-term sustainability of the transit network. Linnell ensures that all executive actions support the core objective of delivering safe, efficient, and accessible transit solutions to the residents of the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Metro Transit Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Metro Transit?
    Metro Transit is led by Brian Funk (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Amanda Wanke (Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Administrative Operations Metro Transit) and Miles Turpin (Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transportation).
    Who is part of Metro Transit’s executive team?
    The executive team of Metro Transit includes leaders such as Brian Funk (Chief Operating Officer), Amanda Wanke (Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Administrative Operations Metro Transit), Miles Turpin (Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transportation) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Metro Transit have?
    Metro Transit has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Metro Transit’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Metro Transit includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Administrative Operations Metro Transit, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Transportation, Chief of Staff.