CHICAGO (AP) — The Metra Board of Directors has named a longtime mechanical department employee to serve as the next executive director/CEO of the suburban Chicago commuter rail agency.
The board unanimously selected James Derwinski on Wednesday. The 49-year-old currently serves as Metra’s chief mechanical officer, overseeing 650 employees responsible for the repair, inspection and maintenance of almost 1,200 locomotives and railcars.
Metra Board Chairman Norman Carlson says Derwinski is “an inspirational leader” who has earned “great respect” among Metra employees.
Derwinski will replace current CEO Don Orseno, who is retiring at the end of this year.
Derwinski will start in the post effective Jan. 1 and will be paid a salary of $275,000.
A former electrician in the U.S. Navy, he started with Metra in 1997 and rose through the ranks.
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