Lake County Gazette

Lake County has announced the appointment of Gary Gordon to the Metra Board of Directors, succeeding Melinda Bush, who resigned in January. The announcement was made through a press release on March 11, 2025.

Gordon, a resident of Lake County and a finance professional, joins the Metra Board of Directors, which comprises 11 members representing the six-county Chicago metropolitan area. He brings significant experience in financial and administrative management and currently serves as chief financial and administrative officer at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. This institution relies heavily on regional transportation accessibility. Previously, he worked for Lake County as director of management and budget and later as the county’s first director of finance and administrative services from 2006 to 2018. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in overseeing financial operations and policy implementation.

In addition to his professional career, Gordon has been actively involved in community service. He served as president of the Lincolnshire Prairie View School District Board of Education, contributing to education policy and financial oversight. He also coached the Daniel Wright Junior High School Science Olympiad team, mentoring students in STEM subjects. Furthermore, he has been a national trainer for the Government Finance Officers Association, promoting best practices in financial management for state and local governments.

"I am thrilled that the board has unanimously approved Gary's appointment to represent Lake County in this important role," said Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Chair. "I am confident that he will be an outstanding advocate for everyone in the region who relies on public transit in their daily lives."

Metra operates a commuter rail system across the six-county Chicago region with 243 stations over 11 routes covering nearly 500 miles. Serving an area exceeding 3,700 square miles, Metra focuses on safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness while adapting to transit needs. Its objectives include supporting community connectivity, increasing ridership options, improving customer experience, promoting workforce diversity, enhancing efficiency, and maintaining equity and sustainability efforts.