Pace Names New Board Chair As Agency Begins NITA Era

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Pace Suburban Bus has entered a new governance era with a new Board of Directors and a new chairperson.

John Noak was appointed chairperson during Pace's first board meeting under the Northern Illinois Transit Authority framework, which took effect this year as part of a broader restructuring of northeastern Illinois transit governance.

"You can only accomplish great things if you have a great team," Noak said. "I know this Board can accomplish amazing things as we move forward. One of my biggest goals is to make sure that everyone is engaged in the process and that is where we will be truly successful."

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority replaced the former Regional Transportation Authority structure under legislation that took effect June 1, while new service-board structures began Sept. 1. The law continues the regional authority while changing its name, governance and responsibilities.

Pace remains one of the region’s transit service boards under the new system.

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Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger said the agency's core mission remains unchanged despite the governance transition.

"Our mission remains unchanged: connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, community resources, and opportunity," Metzger said. "As the regional transit framework evolves, Pace will continue focusing on the fundamentals our riders depend on every day — safe, reliable, accessible, and responsive service."

New Pace Board

The new Pace Board includes representatives from across northeastern Illinois:

• Brian W. Dahl — Kane County
• Matthew Hickey — Lake County
• Rory E. Hoskins — West Suburban Cook County
• Natasha E. Jenkins — City of Chicago
• Luis Montgomery — North Suburban Cook County
• John D. Noak — Will County
• Rosa Y. Ortiz — Northeastern Illinois
• David Pileski — DuPage County
• Karen Tamley — City of Chicago
• Erin Smith — McHenry County
• Terry R. Wells — Cook County

The NITA transition includes regional work involving land use, public safety, fares and service planning, according to Pace.

Near-term work includes governance and organizational planning, public safety, procurement, budgeting, paratransit coordination, capital planning and development of a universal fare instrument. Pace said the transition involves coordination among NITA, Pace, CTA, Metra and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

"This is an important moment for Pace and for public transportation across northeastern Illinois," Metzger said. "The work ahead will require collaboration, practical problem-solving, and a continued commitment to riders."