Following the announcement of CTA President Dorval Carter Jr.'s resignation, Nora Leerhsen has been named as the interim president of the Chicago Transit Authority, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. Stepping into the role on February 1, Leerhsen will hold the position until a permanent president is appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson and approved by the CTA board.
Leerhsen, being the first woman to serve in this capacity, will attempt to seamlessly continue the momentum Carter crafted during his decade-long leadership of the public transit agency. "I look forward to serving our riders and employees in this new role. This is a critical time for our agency and for the future of public transit. As acting president, I will build on our accomplishments as an agency and am confident that we are up to the task of carrying CTA successfully through this transition," Leerhsen said in a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Leerhsen, who joined the CTA in 2014, rapidly advanced through the ranks from project coordinator to chief of staff in 2018. According to the ABC 7 Chicago report, her educational background is noteworthy, boasting degrees in law, social science, and education from prestigious institutions including the University of Wisconsin Law School and the University of Chicago.
Dorval Carter's departure comes amidst pressure from city officials and the state governor, who had begun to more forcefully suggest a need for fresh leadership at the CTA. Despite this, Carter's proficiency in securing federal funding, culminating in his final achievement of obtaining $1.9 billion for the Red Line extension, has been a highlight of his tenure. Now, it is up to Leerhsen to strategically navigate the agency ahead and to vigorously sustain the CTA's service to the community amidst calls for reform and modernization.
