Justin R. Vonashek currently serves as Metro-North’s seventh President. He served as Metro-North’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2023 to 2025, where he oversaw all aspects of the operation, ensuring safety and operational excellence throughout the agency.
Vonashek previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2023 to 2025, overseeing critical operational functions, Senior Vice President of Operations from 2020 to 2023, and as Vice President of System Safety and Chief Safety Officer from 2016 to 2020. Prior to his tenure at Metro-North, Vonashek served as the Chief Safety, Security, Emergency Preparedness, and Regulatory Compliance Officer for Keolis Commuter Services, operator of the MBTA Commuter Rail, from 2014 to 2015. He started his career at Metra Commuter Rail, working his way up to Director of Regulatory Compliance.
In addition to his responsibilities at Metro-North, Vonashek currently serves as the Second Vice Chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Commuter Rail CEO Committee. He has been actively involved in Operation Lifesaver and the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee. Vonashek was named a “Fast Tracker - 10 Under 40” by Railway Age Magazine, a “Top 40 Under 40” by Mass Transit Magazine, and a “Rising Star” by Progressive Railroading.
He holds a Master of Science in Transportation Management from the University of Denver and a Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems from the Illinois Institute of Technology.