June 10, 2026
Lake County Appoints Gary Gordon to NITA Board of Directors
Gary Gordon has been appointed to represent Lake County on the Board of Directors for the newly created Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), a role that will help shape how residents across the region get to work, school and other essential services.
NITA is a new state-created agency responsible for overseeing and coordinating the region’s public transit system, including CTA, Metra and Pace. Its decisions will shape fares, service, long-term planning and major investments that will impact daily commutes and regional connectivity for years to come. Gordon's diverse experience will assist with overseeing the planning, operation and funding of Chicagoland's regional transportation system.
Gary Gordon is the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of the Shedd Aquarium and currently serves as Lake County’s representative on Metra’s Board of Directors.
“I am confident that Gary is the right person to help ensure our transit system is efficient, accessible and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “He is a long-time resident of Lake County and brings more than 30 years of executive leadership and experience in finance and operations within government and nonprofit organizations. Gary will build on the work of Pat Carey, our current Regional Transit Authority (RTA) representative, who is retiring in August.”
As part of the NITA Act, the Illinois Governor, Mayor of Chicago and Cook County Board President will each appoint five board members this summer. The DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will County Board Chairs will each appoint one member.
The initial NITA term is three years, with subsequent terms lasting five years. Gary will serve on the 20-member NITA Board of Directors and on the Commuter Rail Board, which oversees Metra operations through authority delegated by NITA.
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