Metro Executive and Leadership Team

Chris Balish, the Director, Strategic & Communications Executive & Chief Executive Officer, Office of at Metro, directs high-level organizational strategy and public messaging. This leadership role involves aligning corporate communications with the agency's mission to provide efficient transit solutions across a 1,433-square-mile service area. By managing the Office of the Chief Executive Officer, Balish ensures that all departmental initiatives support the broader goals of the transportation agency. Chris Balish maintains constant coordination with the Board to refine long-term planning and public engagement efforts. Through the oversight of strategic communications, the Director shapes the public perception of transit projects and service expansions. This position requires balancing complex stakeholder interests while maintaining operational transparency. Ultimately, the Director drives the agency's vision for a more connected and accessible regional transit network for millions of residents.

Desarae Jones, the Senior Director, Special Projects, Office of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff at Metro, leads high-priority initiatives that cross departmental boundaries. This role involves architecting solutions for complex transit challenges that require immediate executive attention and cross-functional cooperation. By managing special projects, the Senior Director ensures that critical infrastructure goals remain on schedule and within budget. Desarae Jones coordinates with the Chief of Staff to translate executive vision into actionable project plans for the agency's vast service area. This position requires deep analytical skills to evaluate the impact of new transit technologies and service models on the existing network. Through the oversight of these unique projects, the Senior Director directly influences the agency's ability to adapt to changing regional transportation demands. Ultimately, Jones secures the successful delivery of initiatives that improve transit accessibility for millions.

Desiree Portillo-Rabinov, the President at Metro, directs the agency's overarching business development and external partnership strategies. This role involves cultivating relationships with regional stakeholders and government entities to secure funding and support for major transit projects. By focusing on the agency's growth and market position, the President ensures that the organization remains a leader in transportation planning and coordination. Desiree Portillo-Rabinov collaborates with the executive team to align long-term development goals with the needs of the 10 million residents within the service area. This position requires a strategic approach to navigating the complex regulatory and political landscape of the region. Through the leadership of business development initiatives, the President drives the agency's ability to expand its infrastructure footprint. Ultimately, Portillo-Rabinov secures the financial and political stability necessary for the agency to continue its mission of regional connectivity.

Bill Van Zwol, the President at Metro, oversees the agency's capital construction programs and infrastructure development projects. This role involves managing the design and build phases of major transit expansions to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the region. By focusing on the execution of large-scale construction, the President ensures that the agency fulfills its mandate as a builder for the country's largest county. Bill Van Zwol coordinates with engineering and planning teams to address technical challenges and maintain project timelines. This position requires a rigorous approach to project management and budget oversight to ensure the successful delivery of new transit corridors. Through the leadership of capital construction, the President directly impacts the agency's ability to improve regional mobility and infrastructure capacity. Ultimately, Van Zwol drives the development of the physical assets that define the future of the transit network.

Elba Higueros, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Metro, manages internal administrative workflows and executive office operations. This role involves facilitating communication between the Chief Executive Officer and various department heads to ensure organizational alignment. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the agency's planning and construction divisions. Elba Higueros monitors the execution of key policy directives, ensuring that all operational units adhere to the agency's mandate for regional mobility. This position requires constant collaboration with senior leadership to resolve complex administrative challenges and optimize resource allocation. Through the management of daily executive functions, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the agency's ability to serve a massive, diverse population. Ultimately, Higueros maintains the operational rhythm necessary for the agency to function as a cohesive transportation planner and builder.

Conan Cheung, the Chief Operations Officer at Metro, directs the daily performance of the agency's extensive bus and rail networks. This role involves optimizing service frequency, reliability, and safety for the millions of residents relying on the system. By overseeing the operational deployment of transit assets, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the agency meets its mandate as the primary operator for the region. Conan Cheung coordinates with maintenance and planning teams to address capacity constraints and improve the overall passenger experience. This position requires constant monitoring of system-wide performance metrics to identify areas for service enhancement. Through the management of daily transit operations, the Chief Operations Officer supports the agency's goal of providing seamless mobility across the 1,433-square-mile service area. Ultimately, Cheung drives the operational excellence required to maintain the country's largest transit system.

Robert Spadafora, the Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services at Metro, manages the maintenance, procurement, and lifecycle management of the agency's rail assets. This role involves ensuring that all rolling stock meets rigorous safety and performance standards for the region's rail network. By overseeing the technical teams responsible for fleet upkeep, the Senior Executive Officer prevents service disruptions and extends the operational life of critical transit infrastructure. Robert Spadafora coordinates with engineering departments to integrate new, more efficient rail technologies into the existing fleet. This position requires a focus on long-term asset management to support the agency's role as a builder and operator of large-scale transit systems. Through the oversight of rail fleet services, the Senior Executive Officer directly impacts the reliability of the entire rail network. Ultimately, Spadafora ensures that the fleet remains capable of serving the region's growing population.