Metra names McCann as chief operating officer

Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
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BNSF will be working on the Metra BNSF line this weekend.
David C. Lester

Metra has promoted Kevin McCann, who rose through the ranks to become head of the agency’s Mechanical Department, to be its next chief operating officer.

McCann will start his new position on July 1, when current COO Bruce Marcheschi retires.

“In a career at Metra that spans more than two decades, Kevin has consistently demonstrated the skills and personality to do his job efficiently and effectively and lead others to do the same,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski. “He truly embodies the spirit of My Metra, always taking personal responsibility for our customers and for his fellow workers.”

The chief operating officer/deputy executive director for operations leads all aspects of Metra’s operations, including Metra’s three operating arms: the Transportation Department, which provides the service; the Mechanical Department, which maintains and replaces the locomotives and railcars; and the Engineering Department, which maintains and replaces the system’s stations, track and other infrastructure. The COO also oversees Safety, Rules, Regulatory Compliance, Environmental Compliance, Operations Training, T&E Training and Certification.

“I am honored to be selected to lead the hardworking and dedicated professionals who comprise Metra’s operating departments,” Mr. McCann said. “Thanks to Bruce’s and Jim’s leadership, Metra is well-positioned to respond to and recover from the COVID pandemic, and I look forward to hitting the ground running when I take over.”

Mr. McCann was named the chief mechanical officer of Metra in January 2018. In that role, he oversees all activities of Metra’s Mechanical Department, including field operations, shop operations, engineering and planning, asset management, reliability-centered maintenance, and state of good repair. He ensures that inspections, maintenance, repairs, and overhaul of Metra’s rolling stock is completed in a safe, efficient manner and in accordance with federal regulations, APTA guidelines and industry standards.

He started as a carman at Metra in 1996 after previously working for Midway Airlines and Norfolk Southern Railroad. Over the years he was promoted to senior rail Inspector, project manager for Metra’s railcar procurement program, superintendent of the railcar rehab program, director of the Rock Island Line’s Mechanical Division, senior director of Mechanical Operations, senior director of Mechanical Capital Projects and chief mechanical officer.

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