Metro Executive and Leadership Team

Chris Balish, the Director, Strategic & Communications Executive & Chief Executive Officer, Office of at Metro, directs the overarching corporate strategy and public messaging for the agency. This leadership role involves aligning complex transportation planning initiatives with the needs of 10 million residents across the expansive service area. By managing high-level communications, the Director, Strategic & Communications Executive & Chief Executive Officer, Office of ensures transparency and public trust in large-scale infrastructure projects. Chris Balish also coordinates with the Board to define long-term goals for the agency's transit network. Through rigorous oversight of strategic planning, the Director, Strategic & Communications Executive & Chief Executive Officer, Office of maintains the operational integrity of the entire transportation system. This position drives the agency's mission to provide reliable, efficient transit solutions while navigating the unique challenges of a massive, diverse urban landscape.

Desarae Jones, the Senior Director, Special Projects, Office of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff at Metro, manages critical cross-functional initiatives that support the agency's core mission. Overseeing complex project lifecycles, the Senior Director, Special Projects, Office of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff ensures that departmental goals align with the broader strategic vision for the 1,433-square-mile service area. Desarae Jones facilitates communication between the executive office and various operational teams to streamline decision-making processes. This role involves identifying potential bottlenecks in transit development and implementing solutions to maintain project timelines. By coordinating high-priority assignments, the Senior Director, Special Projects, Office of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff directly impacts the efficiency of regional transportation planning. This leadership function remains essential for maintaining the agency's status as a premier builder and operator of public transit infrastructure.

Bill Van Zwol, the President at Metro, directs the administrative and financial frameworks that support the agency's expansive transportation mandate. Focusing on the fiscal health and organizational structure of the agency, the President ensures that resources are allocated effectively to meet the demands of the 10 million residents served. Bill Van Zwol oversees the development of internal policies that govern the agency's role as a planner and coordinator of regional transit. This leadership role involves engaging with stakeholders to secure funding and support for future infrastructure projects. By maintaining a focus on organizational efficiency, the President drives the agency's ability to execute complex construction and design tasks. This position provides the necessary oversight to ensure that all departments remain aligned with the core mission of providing reliable, accessible transportation across the entire service area.

Desiree Portillo-Rabinov, the President at Metro, directs the strategic planning and design initiatives that shape the future of the region's transportation landscape. Focusing on long-term urban mobility, the President oversees the conceptualization and development of new transit corridors to accommodate the needs of a growing population. Desiree Portillo-Rabinov collaborates with regional planners to ensure that infrastructure projects integrate seamlessly with existing urban environments. This leadership role involves evaluating the impact of new transit designs on community connectivity and economic growth. By prioritizing sustainable development, the President ensures that the agency's expansion efforts align with modern environmental and social standards. This position drives the agency's mission to act as a visionary builder and designer, creating a robust transportation network that serves the diverse needs of residents throughout the 1,433-square-mile service area.

Conan Cheung, the Chief Operations Officer at Metro, directs the daily performance of the agency's extensive bus and rail networks. Managing the logistical demands of a system serving 10 million people, the Chief Operations Officer optimizes service frequency and reliability across the entire service area. Conan Cheung oversees the deployment of transit assets to ensure maximum coverage and passenger safety. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with maintenance and scheduling departments to address real-time operational challenges. By refining service delivery models, the Chief Operations Officer enhances the overall experience for commuters throughout the region. This position drives the agency's commitment to operational excellence, ensuring that the transportation network functions as a cohesive, efficient system. Through data-driven management, the Chief Operations Officer maintains the high standards required for operating the country's largest county transit infrastructure.

Robert Spadafora, the Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services at Metro, manages the maintenance, procurement, and technical readiness of the agency's rail assets. Overseeing the lifecycle of the entire rail fleet, the Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services ensures that all vehicles meet rigorous safety and performance standards for the region's transit network. Robert Spadafora coordinates with engineering teams to implement modern technology upgrades that improve system reliability. This leadership role involves managing large-scale maintenance programs to minimize downtime and maximize the availability of trains for daily commuters. By focusing on fleet modernization, the Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services supports the agency's goal of providing sustainable and efficient transportation. This position remains vital for the long-term viability of the rail infrastructure, ensuring that the fleet can accommodate the needs of a growing population within the 1,433-square-mile service area.