Richard Kwasneski has been reappointed to serve as chairman of the Pace Board of Directors. The chairman received unanimous support from the county board chairs from Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage and Will counties who are charged with the selection process.
“Chairman Kwasneski shares my strong belief that a highly effective public transit system is essential to enhancing our region’s economic vitality and quality of life,” said Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor. “Richard is a strong supporter of Lake County’s commuter shuttle program, expanding innovative bus on shoulder routes and better integrating paratransit services. The Cook and Collar County Board Chairs are unanimous in our confidence in Richard’s leadership.”
By law, the Chairman of the Pace Board is appointed by a majority of the suburban members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the county board chairs from Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage and Will counties. Cook County Commissioner Peter Silvestri said, “As chairman of the Cook County Commissioners Suburban Caucus, I was proud to support Rick Kwasneski for reappointment as Pace chairman. He has led the board admirably, Pace is an excellent operation!”
Kwasneski has served as Pace Chairman since 2006, and prior to that served on the Board as the director representing Southwest Cook County dating to 2002. He served the Village of Lemont as Mayor and Trustee from 1987-2001. “Rick has shown remarkable leadership during his time as Pace’s Chairman,” said Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin. “He has provided 12 years of exceptional service to the citizens of our region and we look forward to working with him for 4 more.”
Pace has enjoyed numerous successes during Kwasneski’s tenure, among them the successful restructuring of South Cook & Will County service, the launch of Bus on Shoulder service along I-55, and the launch of Pace’s largest ever service expansion along the I-90 corridor. DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin stated that “Rick Kwasneski takes the time to listen and understand the needs of suburban riders. He has been proactive in his leadership to meet the ever-changing needs of his clients. I am pleased he is representing our interests to provide this vital transportation link for families and residents who need bus and vans for their commutes to work, school and around the community.”
“I am proud of the strong relationships Pace and I have built with our region’s stakeholders, and look forward to continuing to work with our county leaders and partner agencies to maintain and enhance Northeastern Illinois’ transit network,” said Kwasneski. “Public transportation provides important access to employment, education, healthcare and other regional destinations, boosting our economy and giving residents more opportunities to take advantage of all our region has to offer.”