The Board of Directors is a 16-member group of professionals governing the activities and initiatives of the RTA. To assure regional representation, 15 directors are appointed from within the six-county region: five by the Mayor of the City of Chicago; four by the suburban members of the Cook County Board; one by the President of the Cook County Board; and five by the Chairman of each collar county, with one representative each from DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will. The Chairman of the RTA Board, its 16th member, is elected by at least 11 of the 15 appointed members, with at least 2 affirmative votes from the directors who reside in the counties of DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, or McHenry.
Board of Directors
Kirk Dillard has served as the chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board of Directors since June 2014. He was elected to his second term on May 16, 2019.
Learn More
Pat Carey began serving on the RTA Board representing Lake County in July 2019.
Director Carey brings a wealth of public and private sector experience to the RTA Board. She held the position of Senior Vice President, Technology Services for WorldTravel BTI as well as other technology-related roles in the travel sector.
Learn More
William R. Coulson was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in April 2007. He represents suburban Cook County and serves as Vice-Chair of the Audit committee and also serves on the Finance committee.
Learn More
Patrick J. Durante was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in September 1999, representing DuPage County. He chairs the Audit committee and also serves on the Planning & Administration committee.
Learn More
John V. Frega was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in May 2011. He represents suburban Cook County and serves on the Compensation & Human Resources and Planning & Administration committees.
Learn More
Phil Fuentes was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in May 2008 representing the City of Chicago. He serves as Chair of the Planning & Administration committee and also serves on the Audit committee.
Learn More
Christopher J. Groven began serving on the RTA Board representing Kane County in November, 2018. He serves on the Audit and Finance committees.
Director Groven worked for BP for nearly thirty years and is a proven leader in the downstream energy industry. The son of a U.S. Forest Service professional, he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and the environment.
Learn More
Ryan S. Higgins was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in September 2016 representing suburban Cook County. He serves on the Audit and Planning & Administration committees.
Learn More
Alexandra Holt began serving on the RTA Board representing the City of Chicago in December, 2018. She serves on the Audit and Finance committees.
Learn More
Thomas J. Kotel was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in September 2017 representing the City of Chicago. He serves on Finance and Compensation & Human Resources Committees.
Learn More
Michael W. Lewis was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in November 2013 representing suburban Cook County. He serves on the Audit and Finance committees.
Learn More
Christopher C. Melvin, Jr. was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in September 2012 representing the City of Chicago. He serves as Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee & serves on the Compensation & Human Resources Committee.
Learn More
Sarah Pang was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in January 2013, representing the City of Chicago. She serves as Vice-Chair of the Compensation & Human Resources committee and also serves on the Planning & Administration committee.
Learn More
J. D. Ross was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in March 2008, representing Will County. He serves on the Audit Committee and is the Vice-Chair of Planning & Administration Committee.
Learn More
Dr. Brian Sager began serving on the RTA Board representing McHenry County in May, 2018. He serves on the Compensation & Human Resources and Planning & Administration committees.
Learn More
Douglas M. Troiani was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in August 1995, representing suburban Cook County. He chairs the Compensation & Human Resources committee and also serves on the Finance committee.
Learn More