Valley Metro Executive and Leadership Team

Jessica Mefford- Miller, the Chief Executive Officer at Valley Metro, directs the overarching strategic vision for regional transit expansion. Overseeing the integration of bus and rail networks, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between long-term infrastructure goals and daily operational safety standards. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with municipal partners to enhance service reliability across the Arizona region. By prioritizing sustainable transit solutions, Jessica Mefford- Miller drives the organization toward increased ridership and improved community connectivity. The Chief Executive Officer manages complex stakeholder relationships to secure funding for future capital projects. Through rigorous oversight of system-wide performance metrics, the Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of public service. Mefford- Miller champions innovation in transit technology to modernize the passenger experience. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the operational integrity of the entire transportation network while advancing the mission of providing accessible mobility for all residents.

Kenneth Kessler, the Chief Financial Officer at Valley Metro, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the regional transit system. Overseeing budget development, capital allocation, and revenue forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the agency maintains a robust economic foundation. This leadership role involves navigating complex funding streams from federal, state, and local sources to support infrastructure maintenance and expansion. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Kenneth Kessler drives cost-efficiency across all transit operations. The Chief Financial Officer provides critical analysis to the board regarding investment strategies and debt management. Through meticulous oversight of procurement processes, the Chief Financial Officer protects the agency from fiscal volatility. Kessler maintains strong relationships with financial institutions and government auditors to ensure compliance and transparency. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to sustain high-quality public transportation services, directly impacting the long-term viability and growth of the regional transit network.

Dennis Oldham, the President at Valley Metro, leads the operational execution of the agency's transit services and oversees the daily performance of the bus and rail networks. Managing the operational teams responsible for service reliability and passenger safety, the President ensures that the transit system meets the evolving needs of the regional population. This leadership role involves monitoring real-time performance data to identify areas for service improvement and efficiency gains. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, Dennis Oldham drives the consistent delivery of high-quality transportation services. The President collaborates with the executive team to implement strategic initiatives that expand service reach and improve transit frequency. Through proactive management of fleet maintenance and scheduling, the President minimizes service disruptions. Oldham maintains a focus on passenger experience and community engagement to ensure the agency remains responsive to public feedback. Ultimately, the President secures the operational success of the transit network, supporting the agency's mission of providing accessible mobility.

Jyme Sue McLaren, the Chief of Staff at Valley Metro, coordinates executive workflows and facilitates cross-departmental communication to streamline organizational efficiency. Managing the daily priorities of the leadership team, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive necessary resources and attention. This role involves synthesizing complex data from various transit divisions to support informed decision-making at the board level. By optimizing internal processes, Jyme Sue McLaren drives operational agility across the agency. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgetary constraints. Through proactive problem-solving, the Chief of Staff mitigates risks that could impact service delivery. McLaren fosters a culture of accountability and transparency within the executive office. By aligning departmental goals with the broader mission of the agency, the Chief of Staff strengthens the overall effectiveness of the leadership structure and supports the successful execution of regional transportation objectives.

Alexis Kinsey, the Senior Advisor & Chief of Staff at Valley Metro, provides high-level strategic counsel while managing the administrative operations of the executive office. Overseeing special projects and policy implementation, the Senior Advisor & Chief of Staff ensures that organizational priorities remain focused on enhancing public transit accessibility. This role involves bridging communication gaps between executive leadership and external community stakeholders to build consensus on transit initiatives. By refining internal governance structures, Alexis Kinsey drives organizational excellence and operational consistency. The Senior Advisor & Chief of Staff evaluates the impact of new policies on service delivery and passenger satisfaction. Through strategic planning, the Senior Advisor & Chief of Staff supports the development of long-term transit solutions that address regional growth. Kinsey facilitates collaborative efforts across departments to achieve unified goals. Ultimately, the Senior Advisor & Chief of Staff strengthens the agency's capacity to deliver reliable transportation services through disciplined management and strategic foresight.

Penny Lynch, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Valley Metro, architects the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies essential for maintaining a high-performing transit agency. Overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and benefits administration, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the organization attracts and retains skilled professionals dedicated to public service. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive workplace culture that supports the diverse needs of the transit workforce. By implementing comprehensive training programs, Penny Lynch drives professional growth and operational safety across all departments. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with executive leadership to align human capital strategies with the agency's long-term service goals. Through proactive labor relations management, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a stable and productive work environment. Lynch monitors workforce trends to anticipate future staffing requirements. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human infrastructure necessary to operate a safe and efficient regional transportation system.

Michael Wawro, the Chief Legal Officer at Valley Metro, directs all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk management initiatives for the regional transit authority. Overseeing contract negotiations, litigation strategy, and policy interpretation, the Chief Legal Officer ensures the agency operates within the framework of state and federal transportation laws. This leadership role involves providing counsel on complex infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships. By mitigating legal exposure, Michael Wawro drives the protection of the agency's assets and reputation. The Chief Legal Officer advises the board and executive team on governance matters to ensure ethical decision-making. Through rigorous review of operational policies, the Chief Legal Officer maintains compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Wawro manages external legal counsel to handle specialized disputes effectively. Ultimately, the Chief Legal Officer secures the legal foundation of the organization, enabling the agency to focus on its core mission of providing reliable and safe public transportation services.

Angie DeVore, the Interim Chief Administrative Officer at Valley Metro, manages the internal support functions and administrative systems that underpin daily transit operations. Overseeing facilities management, information technology integration, and procurement services, the Interim Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all departments possess the tools required for efficient service delivery. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative workflows to reduce operational bottlenecks and improve response times. By optimizing resource allocation, Angie DeVore drives productivity across the agency's support divisions. The Interim Chief Administrative Officer coordinates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that administrative policies support the broader strategic objectives of the organization. Through careful oversight of vendor contracts and service agreements, the Interim Chief Administrative Officer maintains cost-effective operations. DeVore implements technology upgrades to modernize internal systems and enhance data security. Ultimately, the Interim Chief Administrative Officer secures the operational stability of the agency, allowing for seamless execution of regional transit goals.