RTA of Northern Illinois names Rob Nash as its new director of government affairs

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northern Illinois has named Rob Nash as its new director of government affairs. Nash is charged with developing, leading and managing the federal, state and local legislative strategy of the RTA.

“Rob’s background in the public and private sector has uniquely qualified him to tackle this role at the RTA,” said RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden. “More than ever before, our transit system depends on our ability to work with legislators at all levels of government, and Rob is ideally suited for the task.”

Nash will help set and implement strategic legislative priorities to achieve the vision put forth in “Transit is the Answer,” the RTA’s regional transit strategic plan. He will also collaborate on developing long-term, system-wide regional funding solutions. Nash will work across internal departments and with the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, Pace and other stakeholders on legislation, coalition building and strategic communications.

Nash has spent his career in legislative consulting, public affairs and government relations, having most recently served as partner and executive vice president at Resolute Public Affairs in Chicago, where he has worked for the last 17 years. Nash was part of the team at Resolute who worked with the RTA in 2008 to address needed changes to state law impacting transit funding. Before Resolute, Nash directed government relations for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and has worked directly in government as a staff member within the Illinois General Assembly House of Representatives. He is a graduate of Marquette University.

“I am looking forward to hitting the ground running at the RTA during this critical time,” Nash said. “Transit agencies nationwide are facing intersecting challenges, but with those come a generational opportunity for positive change. I’m thrilled to navigate these waters with the RTA and work to better serve those who depend on our regional transit system.”