Chicago Transit Director Collected Pension During Service
Interim NITA leader Jamie Rhee earns a $350,000 salary alongside a $213,000 annual city pension.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People
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Jamie Rhee, the interim executive director of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, has been drawing a $213,000 annual pension following her retirement from the city of Chicago on April 15, 2025. This compensation sits alongside her $350,000 annual salary at the transit agency that replaced the Regional Transportation Authority on September 1, 2026.
Why it matters
The combined $563,000 in annual compensation draws scrutiny as NITA attempts to address long-term regional fiscal challenges. The authority was established to oversee operations for the CTA, Metra, and Pace, requiring careful management of transit funding and administrative overhead.
Rhee collects a $213,000 annual city pension, which increases by 3% each year, following a 32-year tenure with the city. Her new NITA role is currently set by a six-month contract as the agency works to manage the regional transit system.
The players
Jamie Rhee
The interim executive director of NITA who previously served the city of Chicago for 32 years.
Northern Illinois Transit Authority
A regional agency created to consolidate the oversight of the CTA, Metra, and Pace transit systems.
The details
The NITA board of directors appointed Rhee to the interim position under an at-will contract that requires board approval for any future extensions. This role involves overseeing the integration of CTA, Metra, and Pace operations to avoid a forecasted fiscal cliff. While Rhee leads the agency, the organization is simultaneously conducting a national search to identify a permanent executive director.
Timeline
April 15, 2025: Jamie Rhee retired from the city of Chicago.
September 1, 2026: NITA replaced the Regional Transportation Authority.
September 29, 2026: Compensation details for the interim director were disclosed.
Market Landscape
This compensation structure highlights the complexities of administrative leadership within public transit authorities governed by the Illinois Pension Code. It mirrors a broader trend in municipal governance where retired officials transition into high-level interim roles while maintaining prior benefit streams.
Operators in the public sector or government contracting should monitor board-level contract approvals and compensation transparency requirements. Businesses dealing with regional agencies should track whether leadership remains in an interim or permanent capacity, as interim status often signals shifts in long-term strategic direction.
The takeaway
Transparency in executive compensation remains a critical metric for regional authorities managing significant public funds. Operators should keep a record of board-approved contract terms when conducting business with newly formed public agencies.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTTW News.
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