Safety, Strategy, and Career Paths — Transit Leaders Share It All Live from ThinkTransit
How Transit CEOs Are Tackling Safety, Growth, and Leadership — Live from ThinkTransit
This week on Transit Unplugged, we take you live to Boston for a special CEO Roundtable recorded at the ThinkTransit Conference—featuring four of the most influential leaders in public transportation today.
Host Paul Comfort sits down with:
- Jay Fox — Executive Director, Utah Transit Authority
- Nora Leerhsen — Acting President, Chicago Transit Authority
- Richard A. Davey — CEO, Massport (former MBTA & NYC Transit leader)
- Harry Wilson — Chair & CEO, MV Transportation
Recorded in front of a live audience of transit professionals, this candid conversation explores what it really takes to lead large-scale transit systems in 2026.
What You’ll Learn
Leadership Paths to the Top
From law and finance to teaching and federal service, each CEO shares the unconventional journey that led them to the top—and what they learned along the way.
What CEOs Actually Do
Running a major transit system isn’t just operations—it’s politics, people, culture, and constant decision-making at scale.
The Reality of Safety in Transit
A powerful, nuanced discussion on safety—from frontline presence and policing to the deeper issues of mental health and homelessness shaping the conversation today.
Culture, Teams, and Performance
Why high-performing teams—not individuals—drive results, and how agencies are building cultures of continuous improvement.
Big Ideas in Motion
- Airport-to-terminal security via transit (Massport innovation)
- System-wide culture transformation and teamwork (MV Transportation)
- Continuous improvement at scale (UTA)
- Reframing public perception through storytelling and pride (CTA)
Key Takeaways
- Transit is more than transportation—it reflects society itself.
- Safety requires more than enforcement—it demands strategy, presence, and partnership.
- Great agencies are built on culture, not just operations.
- Leaders must balance vision with execution—every single day.
This is a rare, unfiltered look inside the minds of transit CEOs—how they think, how they lead, and how they’re navigating one of the most complex and essential industries in the world.
Whether you’re an operator, policymaker, or future leader, this episode offers a masterclass in modern transit leadership.
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.