Metro Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Metro has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, operations, human resources, and fleet services.

Driven by a commitment to public service, Metro operates as the transportation planner, coordinator, designer, builder, and operator for the nation's largest county, impacting the lives of over 10 million residents.

Leadership Roles at Metro

  • President - Bill Van Zwol
  • President - Desiree Portillo-Rabinov
  • Chief Information Officer - Bryan Sastokas
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Elba Higueros
  • Chief Operations Officer - Conan Cheung
  • Deputy Chief People Officer, Labor & Employee Relations - Cristian Leiva
  • Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services - Robert Spadafora
  • Bill Van Zwol - President

    Bill Van Zwol, the President at Metro, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the agency's multifaceted operations. This role involves guiding the organization's mission to serve as the transportation planner, coordinator, designer, builder, and operator for the nation's largest county. Van Zwol oversees the integration of services across a 1,433-square-mile area, impacting the daily lives of over 10 million residents. The President is instrumental in fostering innovation and ensuring that Metro remains at the forefront of transportation solutions. Bill Van Zwol's leadership drives the agency's commitment to enhancing mobility and connectivity for the region.

    Desiree Portillo-Rabinov - President

    Desiree Portillo-Rabinov, the President at Metro, spearheads strategic initiatives and operational oversight for the agency's extensive transportation network. This executive leadership role focuses on advancing Metro's mandate as the primary planner, coordinator, designer, builder, and operator for the nation's most populous county. Portillo-Rabinov guides efforts to enhance service delivery and infrastructure development across the 1,433-square-mile region, serving over 10 million people. The President is dedicated to ensuring Metro's services are efficient, reliable, and responsive to community needs. Desiree Portillo-Rabinov's leadership reinforces the agency's commitment to providing essential transportation solutions and driving regional progress.
    Desiree Portillo-Rabinov

    Bryan Sastokas - Chief Information Officer

    Bryan Sastokas, the Chief Information Officer at Metro, directs the agency's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Sastokas ensures the robust and secure functioning of systems critical to Metro's extensive service area, which spans 1,433 square miles and serves over 10 million people. This leadership role involves architecting scalable technology solutions that support transportation planning, design, construction, and operational management. Sastokas drives innovation in digital platforms, enhancing data analytics capabilities to inform strategic decision-making and improve service delivery across the county. The Chief Information Officer's focus remains on leveraging technology to optimize efficiency and reliability for the nation's most populous county. Bryan Sastokas ensures technological advancements align with Metro's mission to provide essential transportation services.

    Elba Higueros - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Elba Higueros, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Metro, supports the executive leadership in executing strategic initiatives and operational directives. This position involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts to ensure seamless integration of services across Metro's vast operational footprint, serving nearly one-fourth of California's residents. Higueros facilitates communication and collaboration between various divisions, including planning, design, construction, and operations, to uphold the agency's comprehensive role. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a crucial part in managing administrative functions and ensuring organizational efficiency within the 1,433-square-mile service area. Elba Higueros contributes to the strategic alignment of Metro's mission to serve over 10 million people effectively.

    Conan Cheung - Chief Operations Officer

    Conan Cheung, the Chief Operations Officer at Metro, directs the day-to-day execution of transportation services across the nation's largest county. Overseeing a complex network that serves over 10 million people, Cheung ensures the efficient and reliable operation of all transit modes within the 1,433-square-mile service area. This critical role involves managing fleet deployment, service scheduling, and real-time operational adjustments to meet the demands of a dynamic population. The Chief Operations Officer is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance across all transit functions, from design implementation to ongoing service delivery. Conan Cheung drives operational excellence, ensuring Metro effectively fulfills its mandate as a comprehensive transportation planner, designer, builder, and operator.
    Conan Cheung

    Cristian Leiva - Deputy Chief People Officer, Labor & Employee Relations

    Cristian Leiva, the Deputy Chief People Officer, Labor & Employee Relations at Metro, leads human capital strategies and labor negotiations for the agency. This executive manages all aspects of employee relations, ensuring a productive and harmonious work environment for the thousands of individuals who support Metro's extensive operations. Leiva oversees the development and implementation of policies that govern workforce management, talent acquisition, and professional development across the 1,433-square-mile service area. The Deputy Chief People Officer, Labor & Employee Relations plays a vital role in fostering positive relationships with labor unions and ensuring compliance with all employment regulations. Cristian Leiva's focus is on cultivating a skilled and engaged workforce essential for serving over 10 million residents.

    Robert Spadafora - Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services

    Robert Spadafora, the Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services at Metro, directs the comprehensive management and maintenance of the agency's rail vehicle fleet. This leadership position is responsible for ensuring the safety, reliability, and operational readiness of all rail cars serving the nation's largest county. Spadafora oversees all aspects of fleet lifecycle management, including procurement, maintenance programs, and technological upgrades designed to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. The Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services ensures that the rail infrastructure effectively supports Metro's role as a primary transportation provider for over 10 million people. Robert Spadafora's strategic oversight guarantees the integrity and performance of the rail fleet across the extensive service area.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Rail, Bus & Taxi

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Metro Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Metro?
    Metro is led by Bill Van Zwol (President), along with executives such as Desiree Portillo-Rabinov (President) and Bryan Sastokas (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Metro’s executive team?
    The executive team of Metro includes leaders such as Bill Van Zwol (President), Desiree Portillo-Rabinov (President), Bryan Sastokas (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Metro have?
    Metro has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Metro’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Metro includes roles such as President, President, Chief Information Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Operations Officer.