Pictured are Pace Chairperson John Noak and Director Erin Smith, who nominated Noak for chairperson.
John Noak appointed Chairperson of the new Pace Board of Directors
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Pace Suburban Bus convened its first Board of Directors meeting of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) era this month, marking a significant moment for public transportation in northeastern Illinois as the agency continues its work under a new regional governance framework. At the meeting, John Noak was appointed Chairperson of the new Pace Board of Directors, providing board leadership as the agency begins operating under the NITA framework.
“You can only accomplish great things if you have a great team,” offered Chairperson Noak. “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 transition comes as Pace continues to provide essential mobility across one of the largest suburban transit service areas in the nation. “Pace enters this new chapter from a position of strength,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “Our mission remains unchanged: connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, community resources, and opportunity. 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.”
During the meeting, members of the new Pace Board introduced themselves and shared priorities for the agency’s future, underscoring a shared commitment to collaboration, transparency, and rider-focused decision-making as Pace enters this next phase. The Board includes representatives from across northeastern Illinois, reflecting the regional perspective needed to guide Pace’s continued role in connecting communities throughout the suburbs and beyond.
| 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 Act creates new responsibilities and regional workstreams related to land use, public safety, fare policy, and service planning. The transition effort includes coordination among NITA, Pace, CTA, Metra, IDOT, and a dedicated consultant team led by Boston Consulting Group. Near-term work includes governance and organizational planning, public safety, procurement, budget processes, paratransit coordination, capital planning, fast-track capital project authority, and development of a universal fare instrument.
“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. Pace is ready to bring its operational expertise, suburban mobility perspective, and innovative spirit to the regional table.”
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Pace Suburban Bus safely and efficiently moves people to work, school, and other regional destinations with its family of public transportation services. Pace offers affordable and environmentally responsible transit options for the residents of 274 municipalities in Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties. The backbone of Chicago’s suburbs, Pace serves tens of thousands of daily riders. One of the largest bus services in North America, Pace covers 3,677 square miles, an area about 15 times the size of the City of Chicago. Pace’s innovative approach to public transportation gives the agency a national reputation as an industry leader.