Rocky Donahue, who has been acting as interim executive director of Pace Suburban Bus since December 2018, will assume the role permanently effective March 1. At its last meeting on Wednesday, February 13, the Pace Board of Directors signed an Ordinance appointing Donahue as Pace's third executive director. This move follows the retirement of longtime Pace Executive Director T.J. Ross.
"Rocky is an ideal candidate for this role. He has the experience, the know-how and the commitment to lead this agency," said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. "He's a public servant above all else and will work tirelessly, as he has, to meet the needs of the communities we serve."
Donahue started at Pace 36 years ago, most recently serving as deputy executive director of External Relations and interim deputy executive director of Internal Services.
"During my time as RTA Chairman, I've been impressed by Mr. Donahue's knowledge and experience as it relates to our regional transit system," said RTA Board Chairman Kirk Dillard. "He is a leader who will move Pace Suburban Bus and ADA Paratransit forward to continue to meet the needs of its riders." Donahue started his career in public transportation as a Financial Analyst at the RTA.
Donahue has a bachelor's degree in finance, a master's in public administration and graduated with the inaugural class of Leadership APTA (American Public Transportation Association) in 1998. In October 2011, Rocky was appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees of Illinois State University and in July of 2014 he was elected Chairman of the Illinois State University Board of Trustees, a position he currently holds. Rocky is former President of the Board and current member of the Illinois Public Transportation Association Board of Directors, Good Shepherd Board of Directors, a member of the APTA Legislative Committee and a member of the ARC of Illinois.
"I'm honored to serve as Pace's executive director," said Donahue. "I'm proud of the work that Pace does. We're not just a suburban bus company anymore. We're evolving, and I'm excited to lead Pace as we improve people's lives through reliable and accessible public transportation, whatever form that takes."
