Mts Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Mts has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, bus operations, rail operations, human resources, and rail division management.

Committed to regional mobility, Mts delivers essential bus and rail transit services across Southern California while maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and public accessibility.

Leadership Roles at Mts

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sharon Cooney
  • Chief Financial Officer - Lawrence Marinesi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Michael Wygant
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rail - Wayne Terry
  • Chief Operating Officer-Rail Division - Brian Riley
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Jeff Stumbo
  • Sharon Cooney - Chief Executive Officer

    Sharon Cooney, the Chief Executive Officer at Mts, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire transit network. Overseeing the integration of bus and rail services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between public transit goals and regional infrastructure requirements. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure funding and expand service capacity across the San Diego metropolitan area. By prioritizing sustainable growth and passenger safety, Sharon Cooney directly impacts the daily commute of thousands. Cooney maintains a focus on long-term fiscal health while navigating complex regulatory environments. Through the implementation of modern transit technologies, the Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward increased ridership and improved service reliability. Ultimately, Cooney secures the future of public transportation by fostering strong community partnerships and maintaining a high standard of operational excellence across all departments.
    Sharon Cooney

    Lawrence Marinesi - Chief Financial Officer

    Lawrence Marinesi, the Chief Financial Officer at Mts, manages the fiscal integrity and budgetary planning for the entire transit agency. Overseeing capital allocation and revenue forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources support the expansion of bus and rail infrastructure. This leadership role involves rigorous auditing of operational costs and the optimization of funding streams to maintain service levels. By implementing robust financial controls, Lawrence Marinesi directly impacts the economic stability of the organization. Marinesi coordinates with executive leadership to align spending with long-term transit goals and regional development projects. Through the management of complex grant applications and public funding cycles, the Chief Financial Officer drives fiscal transparency and accountability. Ultimately, Marinesi secures the financial foundation necessary for the agency to provide reliable, high-quality transportation services to the public while maintaining strict adherence to budgetary constraints.
    Lawrence Marinesi

    Michael Wygant - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Wygant, the Chief Operating Officer at Mts, directs the daily execution of bus transit services and fleet management. Overseeing the maintenance of vehicles and the scheduling of routes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the bus network operates with maximum efficiency and reliability. This leadership role involves managing private operator contracts and optimizing service delivery to meet passenger demand across the region. By streamlining maintenance protocols and improving fleet performance, Michael Wygant directly impacts the quality of the transit experience. Wygant coordinates with other C-suite leaders to integrate bus schedules with broader regional transit plans. Through the implementation of performance metrics and safety standards, the Chief Operating Officer drives operational improvements across the bus division. Ultimately, Wygant secures the operational success of the bus network by maintaining a focus on service frequency, vehicle availability, and consistent passenger satisfaction.
    Michael Wygant

    Wayne Terry - Chief Operating Officer - Rail

    Wayne Terry, the Chief Operating Officer - Rail at Mts, manages the technical operations and infrastructure maintenance of the light rail system. Overseeing track safety and signaling systems, the Chief Operating Officer - Rail ensures that the rail network remains compliant with federal and state regulations. This leadership role involves coordinating complex maintenance schedules to minimize service disruptions while maximizing system uptime. By implementing advanced engineering solutions and safety protocols, Wayne Terry directly impacts the reliability of the rail transit experience. Terry collaborates with the engineering teams to modernize rail assets and improve system capacity for growing ridership. Through the oversight of daily rail operations, the Chief Operating Officer - Rail drives efficiency and safety across the entire light rail corridor. Ultimately, Terry secures the long-term viability of the rail system by prioritizing infrastructure integrity and consistent service delivery for all passengers.

    Brian Riley - Chief Operating Officer-Rail Division

    Brian Riley, the Chief Operating Officer-Rail Division at Mts, manages the strategic deployment of rail personnel and the optimization of passenger service schedules. Overseeing the daily coordination of train crews and station operations, the Chief Operating Officer-Rail Division ensures that the rail network meets performance targets and service standards. This leadership role involves analyzing ridership data to adjust service frequency and improve the overall passenger experience. By focusing on operational agility and service responsiveness, Brian Riley directly impacts the efficiency of the rail division. Riley collaborates with the broader operations team to integrate rail services with bus connections and regional transit hubs. Through the management of station facilities and customer-facing operations, the Chief Operating Officer-Rail Division drives improvements in service accessibility and passenger satisfaction. Ultimately, Riley secures the operational success of the rail division by maintaining a focus on service quality and system-wide connectivity.
    Brian Riley

    Jeff Stumbo - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jeff Stumbo, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Mts, directs the talent acquisition, labor relations, and workforce development strategies for the agency. Overseeing the recruitment of transit operators and maintenance staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains a skilled and motivated workforce. This leadership role involves managing complex union negotiations and fostering a culture of safety and professional growth. By implementing comprehensive training programs and performance management systems, Jeff Stumbo directly impacts the operational readiness of the entire transit team. Stumbo coordinates with department heads to align staffing levels with service requirements and organizational goals. Through the development of competitive compensation and benefits packages, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives employee retention and engagement. Ultimately, Stumbo secures the human capital necessary for the agency to deliver consistent, high-quality transportation services to the public every single day.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mts Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Mts?
    Mts is led by Sharon Cooney (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lawrence Marinesi (Chief Financial Officer) and Michael Wygant (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Mts’s executive team?
    The executive team of Mts includes leaders such as Sharon Cooney (Chief Executive Officer), Lawrence Marinesi (Chief Financial Officer), Michael Wygant (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Mts have?
    Mts has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Mts’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Mts includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer - Rail, Chief Operating Officer-Rail Division.