Metra Board selects new executive director to lead agency … – Northwest Herald

CHICAGO The Metra Board of Directors gave a man who began as an electrician for the company and made his way through the ranks a new title Wednesday executive director/CEO.

James M. Derwinski, Metras chief mechanical officer, was selected to lead the commuter rail agency, according to a new release from Metra.

In Jim Derwinski we have an inspirational leader, well known for his effective communications and ability to develop people, thus earning him great respect within Metra, Metra board Chairman Norman Carlson said in a statement. Using his intelligence and skills, Jim has developed processes and procedures that make efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Derwinski, 49, oversees 650 employees responsible for the repair, inspection, cleaning and maintenance of about 1,200 railcars and locomotives as chief mechanical officer. He also is in charge of in-house railcar and locomotive rehabilitation programs, a contract for locomotive remanufacturing and the installation of Positive Train Control on cab cars and engines.

We interviewed many qualified candidates for this position, but we feel Jim is best qualified to lead Metra, board Vice Chairman Romayne C. Brown, who led the boards search, said in a statement. With our funding challenges, we need someone with his proven energy and resourcefulness to keep us on track as we face some difficult years ahead. Jim is that person. He is an innovator who is willing to try new things that have achieved very effective use of precious capital dollars.

Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno is retiring from the position at the end of 2017.

The board made the selection at this time so that there will be a lengthy transition period, according to the release. Derwinski will be paid a salary of $275,000.

With Jims background, railroad knowledge and collaborative working relationship with BNSF, Union Pacific and the regulatory agencies, I am confident he will hit the ground running when he takes the helm at Metra in 2018, Orseno said in a statement. I will be pleased to leave the agency under Jims leadership.

Derwinski spent six years with the U.S. Navy as an electrician on nuclear submarines before the Chicago and North Western Railway hired him as a locomotive electrician in 1993.

He joined Metra as an electrician in 1997 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a foreman, general foreman, shop superintendent, director of systems maintenance, locomotive superintendent, Rock Island division director, Milwaukee division director and then senior director of mechanical operations.

He was named chief mechanical officer in September 2013.

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Metra Board selects new executive director to lead agency ... - Northwest Herald