SEPTA Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

SEPTA has 5 executives leading key functions including technology, revenue, finance, operations, and communications.

Dedicated to providing integrated transportation solutions, SEPTA drives mobility across southeastern Pennsylvania, connecting communities and facilitating daily commutes through its extensive transit network.

Leadership Roles at SEPTA

  • Interim Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer - Erik Johanson
  • President - Chris Leask
  • Chief Technology Officer - Elisa Cunningham
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Terri Kearse
  • Chief Communications Officer (Cco) - William Webster
  • Erik Johanson - Interim Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

    Erik Johanson, the Interim Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer at SEPTA, manages the financial health and fiscal operations of the public transportation authority. Johanson oversees all financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and treasury functions, ensuring fiscal responsibility across bus, subway, commuter rail, light rail, and trolley services in southeastern Pennsylvania. This role involves securing funding, managing investments, and maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions to support SEPTA's extensive transit network. The Interim Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer is instrumental in developing financial strategies that align with the organization's mission of providing integrated transportation solutions for the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. Erik Johanson's leadership ensures financial stability and supports the authority's long-term objectives for service delivery and infrastructure development. Johanson's oversight is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and strategic financial management.
    Erik Johanson

    Chris Leask - President

    Chris Leask, the President at SEPTA, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire public transportation authority. Leask guides the organization's overall mission, ensuring the effective operation of bus, subway, commuter rail, light rail, and trolley services throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. This leadership role involves setting organizational priorities, fostering a culture of service excellence, and overseeing the integration of transportation solutions for the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. The President works closely with the board and executive team to advance SEPTA's strategic goals and enhance its impact on regional mobility. Chris Leask's vision is central to maintaining and improving the extensive transit network, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of commuters and travelers. Leask's ultimate responsibility is the overall success and public trust of SEPTA's operations.

    Elisa Cunningham - Chief Technology Officer

    Elisa Cunningham, the Chief Technology Officer at SEPTA, directs the strategic implementation of technology across the transit authority's extensive network. Overseeing all technology infrastructure, Cunningham ensures the seamless operation of bus, subway, commuter rail, light rail, and trolley services throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. This leadership involves managing mobile applications for trip planning and real-time service updates, enhancing the commuter experience. Cunningham drives innovation in digital platforms, supporting SEPTA's mission to provide integrated transportation solutions for the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. The Chief Technology Officer's focus remains on leveraging technology to optimize operational efficiency and expand service accessibility across the region. Elisa Cunningham's role is critical in modernizing SEPTA's technological capabilities, ensuring a reliable and user-friendly transit system for all travelers.
    Elisa Cunningham

    Terri Kearse - Chief Revenue Officer

    Terri Kearse, the Chief Revenue Officer at SEPTA, spearheads initiatives to maximize revenue generation across the transit authority's diverse service offerings. Kearse analyzes market trends and develops strategies to enhance ridership and farebox recovery for bus, subway, commuter rail, light rail, and trolley operations. This executive oversees the development and execution of pricing models and promotional campaigns designed to attract and retain passengers throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. The Chief Revenue Officer's responsibilities include identifying new revenue streams and optimizing existing ones to support SEPTA's operational budget and expansion plans. Terri Kearse works to ensure the financial sustainability of the transit network, directly impacting the organization's ability to provide integrated transportation solutions for the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. Kearse's strategic vision is essential for driving growth and maintaining service levels.

    William Webster - Chief Communications Officer (Cco)

    William Webster, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) at SEPTA, directs all internal and external communication strategies for the public transportation authority. Webster manages public relations, media outreach, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring clear and consistent messaging about SEPTA's services and initiatives across southeastern Pennsylvania. This role involves developing communication plans for service changes, emergencies, and public awareness campaigns related to bus, subway, commuter rail, light rail, and trolley operations. The Chief Communications Officer (Cco) plays a vital part in shaping public perception and fostering positive relationships with the communities served by the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area's transit network. William Webster's expertise is crucial for maintaining transparency and building trust with riders, employees, and the public. Webster's efforts support SEPTA's commitment to integrated transportation solutions and community connectivity.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SEPTA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SEPTA?
    SEPTA is led by Erik Johanson (Interim Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Chris Leask (President) and Elisa Cunningham (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of SEPTA’s executive team?
    The executive team of SEPTA includes leaders such as Erik Johanson (Interim Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer), Chris Leask (President), Elisa Cunningham (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SEPTA have?
    SEPTA has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SEPTA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SEPTA includes roles such as Interim Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Communications Officer (Cco).