Mts Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Mts has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, and rail logistics.

Committed to regional mobility, Mts delivers essential bus and rail services across San Diego while maintaining a focus on operational excellence and public transit accessibility for the entire community.

Leadership Roles at Mts

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sharon Cooney
  • Chief Financial Officer - Lawrence Marinesi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Michael Wygant
  • Chief Operating Officer-Rail Division - Brian Riley
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rail - Wayne Terry
  • 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 California. By prioritizing passenger safety and system reliability, Sharon Cooney directly impacts the daily commute of thousands. The Chief Executive Officer manages high-level partnerships with private operators to maintain service standards. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Cooney drives long-term sustainability for the transit agency. This executive position requires balancing complex regulatory demands with the immediate needs of the riding public, ensuring that the transit system remains a vital component of the regional transportation landscape.
    Sharon Cooney

    Lawrence Marinesi - Chief Financial Officer

    Lawrence Marinesi, the Chief Financial Officer at Mts, architects the fiscal strategy and budgetary framework for the transit agency. Overseeing capital allocation and revenue management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources support the expansion of bus and rail infrastructure. This leadership role involves rigorous auditing of operational expenditures and long-term financial planning to guarantee fiscal health. By managing complex funding streams, Lawrence Marinesi secures the necessary capital for system upgrades and maintenance projects. The Chief Financial Officer provides critical data to the Board to inform major investment decisions. Through precise financial reporting, Marinesi maintains transparency and accountability across all departments. This executive position requires balancing the immediate costs of transit operations with the necessity of future-proofing the agency, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the overall efficiency and growth of the regional transportation network.
    Lawrence Marinesi

    Michael Wygant - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Wygant, the Chief Operating Officer at Mts, manages the daily execution of bus transit operations and fleet maintenance protocols. Overseeing the deployment of vehicles, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that service schedules meet the demands of the San Diego metropolitan area. This leadership role involves optimizing route efficiency and reducing downtime through proactive maintenance strategies. By coordinating with dispatch teams, Michael Wygant maintains high levels of service reliability across the entire bus network. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify areas for operational improvement and cost reduction. Through constant evaluation of transit patterns, Wygant adapts service delivery to changing passenger volumes. This executive position focuses on the seamless integration of daily transit activities, ensuring that the bus fleet operates at peak capacity while adhering to strict safety and environmental standards.
    Michael Wygant

    Brian Riley - Chief Operating Officer-Rail Division

    Brian Riley, the Chief Operating Officer-Rail Division at Mts, architects the operational strategy for the light rail network. Overseeing track maintenance and signaling systems, the Chief Operating Officer-Rail Division ensures that rail services remain safe and punctual for all passengers. This leadership role involves coordinating with engineering teams to modernize infrastructure and improve system throughput. By managing the daily movement of trains, Brian Riley optimizes the rail schedule to accommodate peak demand periods. The Chief Operating Officer-Rail Division monitors technical performance data to prevent service disruptions and enhance reliability. Through strategic oversight of rail assets, Riley drives the modernization of the transit system's core infrastructure. This executive position requires deep technical expertise to manage the complexities of rail operations, ensuring that the light rail network functions as a reliable backbone for regional transit connectivity.
    Brian Riley

    Wayne Terry - Chief Operating Officer - Rail

    Wayne Terry, the Chief Operating Officer - Rail at Mts, directs the safety protocols and emergency response planning for the rail division. Overseeing the training of rail operators and station personnel, the Chief Operating Officer - Rail ensures that all staff adhere to rigorous safety standards. This leadership role involves conducting regular audits of rail facilities to identify and mitigate potential hazards. By implementing advanced safety management systems, Wayne Terry reduces operational risks and enhances passenger security. The Chief Operating Officer - Rail collaborates with local authorities to ensure seamless coordination during large-scale events or emergencies. Through the continuous improvement of safety procedures, Terry protects the integrity of the rail network. This executive position focuses on the human and procedural elements of rail safety, ensuring that the transit system operates with the highest level of care for both employees and the public.

    Jeff Stumbo - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jeff Stumbo, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Mts, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the entire organization. Overseeing labor relations and employee training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the transit agency 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 recruitment initiatives, Jeff Stumbo addresses staffing needs across both bus and rail divisions. The Chief Human Resources Officer monitors employee performance metrics to drive organizational productivity and retention. Through the development of robust internal policies, Stumbo ensures compliance with labor laws and industry standards. This executive position focuses on building a resilient team capable of meeting the demanding operational requirements of a major metropolitan transit system, ultimately supporting the agency's mission through effective human capital management.

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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 Division, Chief Operating Officer - Rail.