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Jim Reilly's Appointment as McPier Trustee Ends His Distinguished Service as RTA Board Chairman |
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Jim Reilly, Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board Chairman, is being recognized by the RTA for his exemplary leadership as he departs to become the trustee of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, also known as McPier. A new state law that became effective today appointing Reilly to this post means that he can no longer serve on the RTA Board and therefore, he also submitted his resignation today.
Reilly was appointed RTA Board Chairman in June 2005, and the Board renewed his five-year contract last year. “Jim has made significant contributions to our transit system during one of its most challenging periods in our history. His superb management and negotiation skills, political savvy and strategic foresight have made a long lasting impression. The transit system’s two million daily riders are the beneficiaries of his tireless commitment to improving our system,” said RTA Executive Director Steve Schlickman.
During Reilly's tenure, the RTA created its first strategic plan in over 15 years that was completed in 2007. Also in 2007, a performance audit of the RTA and service boards was conducted by the Illinois Auditor General that validated the need to invest more in mass transit and recommended that the RTA's role in regional planning should be strengthened. Through Reilly’s leadership, historic new transit funding and reform legislation was enacted in 2008 that substantially increased funding for mass transit operations; strengthened the RTA's role in promoting coordination, efficiency and transparency; and reformed the CTA's pension and retiree health care systems. Last year, Chairman Reilly helped secure $2.7 billion in transit investments as part of the state capital plan. .
As he transitions from the RTA Board to serving as McPier trustee, Reilly observed, “Much like the convention industry that I’m returning to, the transit system plays a pivotal role in shaping our region’s economy. I leave knowing that, together, we were able to accomplish a great deal for the transit system and our region, and I hope to bring that experience to bear as we look to repeat our success in our new effort,” he said. “It has been a great ride, but I must acknowledge that the efforts to improve our transit system probably would not have been possible without people like Steve Schlickman and other outstanding colleagues on the RTA Board and staff at the agency. Credit also goes to my counterparts and agency heads at the CTA, Metra and Pace as well as the Governor and members of the Illinois General Assembly,” he added.
As for the Board Chairman leadership succession at the RTA, Board Directors Dwight “Ike” Magalis, who represents Lake County, and Michael Rosenberg, who represents the City of Chicago, will guide the agency until the Board votes on Reilly’s successor. The next RTA Board meeting is on June 24.
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