Vonashek to succeed Rinaldi as Metro-North president

New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority yesterday announced Justin Vonashek will become president of Metro-North Railroad on April 1. He will succeed Catherine Rinaldi, who is retiring after serving in the role for seven years. 

Vonashek joined Metro-North as vice president of system safety in January 2016, part of the railroad’s push to improve safety following a series of incidents in 2013. He was promoted to senior VP of operations in December 2020, then to his current role as executive VP and chief operating officer in September 2023.

“Justin Vonashek has been a key player at Metro-North for years, helping the agency deliver sky high on-time performance and record customer satisfaction. We are fortunate to have such a seasoned executive ready to lead and make this transition a smooth one,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber in a press release.

Rinaldi leaves an impressive legacy at both Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road, where she served as interim president from February 2022 until October 2023. She is the first woman to serve as president of Metro-North, MTA officials said.

“Cathy Rinaldi leaves big shoes to fill. There aren’t many people talented enough to run two of the busiest commuter railroads in the country — let alone at the same time, but she is one of them. We are grateful for her many years of exemplary service and wish her all the best in retirement," Lieber said.

Vonashek said he is honored to lead one of the nation's busiest commuter railroads.

“I'm grateful to Cathy for her 20 years of service to the MTA and for her guidance over the years as we have worked together at Metro-North," he said. "I am excited for the challenges ahead and look forward to continuing to deliver the best service possible.”

In 2013, Vonashek was named a "Rising Star" in the railroad industry by Progressive Railroading magazine.