RENEE JONES
Chicago,IL
Summary
Accomplished Transportation Operations Executive with 14+ years of leadership driving performance, safety, and operational excellence across complex rail and transit networks. Expertise in strategic planning, multi-agency collaboration, and workforce development. Proven ability to negotiate agreements, optimize service delivery, and implement operational strategies that improve efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Recognized for building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and aligning operations with organizational objectives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, Rail & Transportation Operations
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago, IL
12.2022 - Current
- Lead comprehensive rail operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient service across multiple routes and facilities.
- Direct and mentor a team of Transportation Managers and staff, overseeing performance management, succession planning, and leadership development.
- Partner with cross-functional departments (Planning, Facilities, Maintenance, Administration) to implement operational strategies, special projects, and emergency response initiatives.
- Drive operational improvements by monitoring rail yard conditions, optimizing infrastructure usage, and ensuring compliance with safety and service standards.
- Serve as acting General Manager of Rail Route Operations as needed, managing full departmental strategy, performance, and resource allocation.
Senior Manager, Control Center Operations
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago, IL
09.2016 - 12.2022
- Directed integrated operations for Rail, Bus, Power, Security, and Communications, ensuring seamless service delivery and system reliability.
- Developed and executed operational policies, strategic initiatives, and best practices to enhance performance, safety, and customer experience.
- Coordinated with city, state, and federal agencies (CFD, CPD, IDOT, CDOT, OEMC, RTA) to manage complex service disruptions and incident responses.
- Led communication, planning, and operational oversight during unplanned service interruptions, demonstrating high-level decision-making and crisis management skills.
- Mentored and developed managers and controllers to strengthen leadership capacity and operational effectiveness.
Rail Controller
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago, IL
03.2014 - 09.2016
- Oversaw train schedule adherence and operational continuity during service disruptions.
- Coordinated with internal teams and external agencies to restore service safely and efficiently.
- Supported management in system troubleshooting, performance analysis, and operational reporting.
Universal Rail Supervisor of Operations
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago, IL
05.2011 - 03.2014
- Supervised rail operations to ensure adherence to schedules, operational policies, and safety standards.
- Managed emergency response and service recovery operations, liaising with municipal agencies and first responders.
- Maintained operational continuity through hands-on leadership during service interruptions.
Education
Finance
DeVry Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL01.2003
Skills
- Executive Leadership & Team Development
- Strategic Transportation & Network Planning
- Rail & Transit Operations Management
- Contract Negotiation & Compliance
- Operational Performance Analytics
- Safety, Regulatory & Risk Management
- Incident & Service Recovery Management
- Budgeting & Resource Optimization
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Data-driven decision making
- Cross-functional team coordination
- Operations management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Troubleshooting and problem resolution
- Cross-functional team leadership
EXECUTIVE HIGHLIGHTS
- Successfully led multi-departmental operations, improving on-time performance and service reliability.
- Developed strategic initiatives that optimized workforce performance, operational efficiency, and resource allocation.
- Built high-performing teams with robust succession planning and mentorship programs.
- Partnered with external agencies and stakeholders to manage complex operations and resolve conflicts effectively.
- Demonstrated expertise in negotiation, contract interpretation, and policy implementation in high-stakes transportation environments.
Timeline
Senior Manager, Rail & Transportation Operations
Chicago Transit Authority
12.2022 - Current
Senior Manager, Control Center Operations
Chicago Transit Authority
09.2016 - 12.2022
Rail Controller
Chicago Transit Authority
03.2014 - 09.2016
Universal Rail Supervisor of Operations
Chicago Transit Authority
05.2011 - 03.2014
Finance
DeVry Institute of Technology