Jamie Rhee Accepted Interim NITA Director Position

The former city official currently collects a combined annual compensation of $563,000.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a steel railway junction, representing the structural oversight of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. — The Northern Illinois Transit Authority appointed Jamie Rhee as interim executive director to lead the organization during its search for permanent leadership. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jamie Rhee, who retired from the city of Chicago on April 15, 2025, now receives a $350,000 salary as the interim executive director of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA). She also collects a $213,000 annual city pension following her 32-year career with the city.

Why it matters

NITA was established to oversee the CTA, Metra, and Pace to prevent a regional fiscal cliff. The board appointed Rhee to provide leadership as it begins a national search for a permanent executive director.

Rhee earns a $350,000 salary for the role and receives monthly pension payments of $17,773. The pension amount includes a 3% annual cost-of-living increase.

The players

Jamie Rhee

She is the interim executive director of NITA and a retired city of Chicago employee with 32 years of service.

Northern Illinois Transit Authority

This agency was created to oversee the CTA, Metra, and Pace transit systems.

The details

The NITA board of directors approved a six-month, at-will contract for Rhee after the agency replaced the Regional Transportation Authority on September 1, 2026. Her current contract requires future board approval for any potential extension.

April 15, 2025: Jamie Rhee retired from the city of Chicago after 32 years of service.
September 1, 2026: NITA officially replaced the Regional Transportation Authority.
September 29, 2026: The compensation details regarding Rhee's salary and pension were published.

Market Landscape

The formation of NITA represents a structural shift in regional governance intended to address long-term transit funding stability. This transition replaces the legacy Regional Transportation Authority to better manage the regional transit network.

The agency's leadership appointment comes as it assumes oversight of the CTA, Metra, and Pace. Residents may see changes in transit management as the authority works to secure funding and prevent a fiscal cliff.

The takeaway

The appointment of an interim director highlights the ongoing administrative transition for the newly formed transit authority. Officials must now focus on finalizing the search for a permanent leader to manage the agency's long-term operational goals.