Metro Executive and Leadership Team

Desiree Portillo-Rabinov, the President at Metro, provides high-level strategic direction for the agency's planning, design, and construction initiatives. Overseeing the long-term vision for regional transit expansion, the President ensures that infrastructure projects align with the needs of the 10 million residents living within the service area. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and securing funding for major capital improvements. Desiree Portillo-Rabinov drives organizational growth by fostering partnerships with local governments and stakeholders to enhance transit connectivity. Through the oversight of multi-billion dollar projects, the President shapes the future of mobility in the most populous county in California. Portillo-Rabinov manages the executive team to ensure that all departments work toward the common goal of providing efficient, accessible transportation. By championing sustainable development and innovative design, the President secures the agency's position as a leader in modern urban transit planning and execution.

Bill Van Zwol, the President at Metro, focuses on the financial and administrative oversight of the agency's expansive transportation programs. Overseeing the allocation of resources and budgetary planning, the President ensures that the agency maintains fiscal health while delivering essential transit services. This leadership role involves evaluating the economic impact of new transit corridors and optimizing revenue streams to support ongoing operations. Bill Van Zwol drives strategic initiatives that improve organizational transparency and accountability across all departments. Through the management of administrative functions, the President supports the operational teams in achieving their performance targets. Van Zwol collaborates with the Board to establish policies that promote equitable transit access and long-term sustainability for the region. By streamlining internal processes and enhancing financial controls, the President provides the necessary foundation for the agency to fulfill its mission as the primary coordinator of transportation for the county's residents.

Bryan Sastokas, the Chief Information Officer at Metro, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks supporting the largest transportation agency in the region. By modernizing data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration between transit planning software and passenger-facing applications. This leadership role involves overseeing the technological backbone that powers bus and rail operations across a 1,433-square-mile service area. Bryan Sastokas drives innovation by implementing scalable cloud solutions that enhance operational efficiency for millions of daily commuters. Through the deployment of advanced analytics, the Chief Information Officer optimizes network performance and improves real-time service delivery. Sastokas maintains rigorous standards for data integrity, protecting critical transit information while fostering a culture of digital transformation. By aligning technology investments with long-term agency goals, the Chief Information Officer secures the future of regional transportation connectivity.

Conan Cheung, the Chief Operations Officer at Metro, manages the daily execution of bus and rail services for the most populous county in the United States. Overseeing the complex logistics of a massive transit network, the Chief Operations Officer ensures reliability and safety for over 10 million residents. This leadership role involves coordinating multi-modal transit schedules to maximize capacity and reduce congestion across the expansive service area. Conan Cheung drives operational excellence by refining maintenance protocols and optimizing fleet deployment strategies. Through constant monitoring of service metrics, the Chief Operations Officer identifies bottlenecks and implements immediate corrective actions to maintain high performance standards. Cheung collaborates with regional planners to expand transit access, ensuring that the agency meets the evolving needs of a diverse population. By prioritizing efficiency and passenger experience, the Chief Operations Officer sustains the vital mobility infrastructure required for regional economic growth.

Cristian Leiva, the Deputy Chief People Officer, Labor & Employee Relations at Metro, architects the framework for workforce management and collective bargaining across the agency. Overseeing labor negotiations, the Deputy Chief People Officer, Labor & Employee Relations ensures consistent application of employment policies for thousands of transit staff. This leadership role involves resolving complex grievances and fostering productive relationships with union representatives to maintain operational stability. Cristian Leiva drives initiatives that promote workplace equity and professional development within the transportation sector. By aligning human capital strategies with the agency's mission, the Deputy Chief People Officer, Labor & Employee Relations supports a high-performing culture capable of delivering reliable transit services. Leiva manages the intricate balance between organizational requirements and employee welfare, ensuring that the workforce remains engaged and effective. Through proactive conflict resolution, the Deputy Chief People Officer, Labor & Employee Relations secures the human resources necessary for long-term agency success.

Robert Spadafora, the Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services at Metro, directs the maintenance, procurement, and lifecycle management of the entire rail vehicle inventory. Overseeing the technical teams responsible for rolling stock, the Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services ensures that every train meets stringent safety and performance standards. This leadership role involves managing large-scale capital projects to upgrade aging equipment and integrate new, sustainable technologies into the rail network. Robert Spadafora drives operational readiness by optimizing maintenance schedules and reducing downtime across the system. Through rigorous oversight of fleet reliability, the Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services guarantees consistent service for commuters traveling throughout the 1,433-square-mile service area. Spadafora coordinates with engineering departments to implement innovative repair solutions, extending the lifespan of critical transit assets. By maintaining a robust and modern fleet, the Senior Executive Officer, Rail Fleet Services supports the agency's commitment to reliable regional transportation.