General Session: Chicago Transit Leaders: What’s Next (TRANSform 2026)

Chicago Transit leaders share what’s next.

Moderator:

• Leanne Redden, Immediate Past Chair, APTA; Outgoing Executive Director, Regional Transportation Authority

Speakers:

• Maulik Vaishnav, Chief Transition Officer, Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)  
• Nora Leerhsen, Acting President, Chicago Transit Authority
• Jim Derwinski, Executive Director/CEO, Metra
• Melinda Metzger, Executive Director, Pace Suburban Bus

Introducer:

• Denise Figueroa, Chair, APTA; Immediate Past Chair APTA TBM Committee; and Board Member, Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA)