The current chief mechanical officer oversees 650 employees responsible for the repair, inspection, cleaning and maintenance of nearly 1,200 railcars and locomotives.
James M. Derwinski, 49, has had a long career in Metra’s Mechanical Department and currently serves as its chief mechanical officer.
2 min to read
James M. Derwinski, 49, has had a long career in Metra’s Mechanical Department and currently serves as its chief mechanical officer.
The Metra Board of Directors has unanimously selected James M. Derwinski to be the next executive director/CEO of the commuter rail agency.
Derwinski, 49, has had a long career in Metra’s Mechanical Department and currently serves as its chief mechanical officer. In that role, he oversees 650 employees responsible for the repair, inspection, cleaning and maintenance of nearly 1,200 railcars and locomotives. He is also 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.
Ad Loading...
Derwinski will replace Don Orseno, who is retiring at the end of 2017. The Board made the selection at this time so that there will be a lengthy transition period before Orseno retires. Derwinski will be paid a salary of $275,000 effective January 1, 2018.
“With Jim’s 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.
After a six-year stint in the U.S. Navy as an electrician on nuclear submarines, Derwinski began his railroad career as a locomotive electrician with the Chicago & North Western Railroad 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 and Milwaukee division director and then senior director of mechanical operations. He was named chief mechanical officer in September 2013.
The tour reflects LIT’s commitment to supporting professional growth, collaboration, and opportunity for individuals at all career stages within the transit industry, according to LIT officials.
Curated and facilitated by transportation industry leaders, LITLA provides a high-quality, structured learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge, professional networking, and practical leadership application.
Drawing on decades of industry experience, Evans-Benson offered insights into the differences between the two, along with tips for better customer engagement and more.
METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman presented the award to the operation’s President/CEO Scott Parsons at the United Motorcoach Association’s EXPO in Birmingham, Alabama.
The brand strategy was developed based on input from RTA board members, staff, and stakeholders, along with secondary research conducted over a months-long process.
In close coordination with regional partners including Caltrain and BART, the agency ensured convenient interagency connections and seamless transfers for game-day passengers.
Because rail has high fixed costs and low marginal savings, it is impossible to close the projected FY27 $376M deficit with service cuts and fare increases alone, said agency officials.
The total ridership includes all fixed-route bus service, C-VAN paratransit service, The Current, Vanpool, and special event service. Almost all individual routes saw year-over-year increases from 2024 to 2025.
