Chicago, Illinois, United States, October 2025 – Metra Commuter Rail, one of the largest and most vital public transportation networks in the United States, has appointed Adam Grein as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). In his new role, Adam will oversee the strategic direction, planning, and administration of Metra’s comprehensive Human Resources programs — encompassing Talent Acquisition, Compensation and Benefits, Organizational Development, HRIS, Employee Relations, DEI, and Compliance. His leadership will play a critical role in ensuring that Metra’s HR strategy aligns seamlessly with its mission to provide safe, reliable, and people-centered transportation across the Chicago metropolitan area.
Before joining Metra, Adam Grein served as Vice President, Eastern Operations at the U.S. Department of Defense, where he was handpicked by the Army CHRO and the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Personnel to lead operations across the eastern United States. He managed a team of nine executives overseeing 32 sites and 1,200 personnel with a $60 million operating budget, driving operational excellence and talent readiness.
Prior to that, he served as Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the Army Human Resources Information System (IPPS-A), where he managed multimillion-dollar budgets and led initiatives to streamline HR processes through Agile project management, achieving significant cost savings and operational efficiency. His efforts in organizational restructuring resulted in a 20% reduction in redundant functions and a $480K annual cost reduction.
Adam also served as Executive Director of Onboarding for the U.S. Army’s largest new employee reception center, managing a $35 million budget and overseeing operations that processed over 45,000 new employees annually. Under his leadership, employee turnover dropped dramatically, saving millions in retention costs and setting new benchmarks for employee engagement and organizational culture.
Earlier, Adam held key leadership positions including Director of People Operations at the National Security Agency (NSA), where he introduced an all-digital employee records system that increased transparency, reduced redundancy, and improved processing timelines by 80%. His prior roles in the U.S. Army included spearheading strategic HR transformation, diversity and inclusion programs, workforce planning, and leadership development initiatives that continue to influence HR modernization across government sectors.
Alongside his organizational leadership, Adam has been a certified Executive Coach (ACC) since 2022, working with professionals to unlock their potential, improve workplace performance, and foster inclusive leadership.
About Metra Commuter Rail
Metra Commuter Rail is a cornerstone of Chicago’s regional transportation ecosystem, connecting millions of residents, workers, and visitors across Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry counties. With more than 500 route miles, 11 rail lines, and 243 stations, Metra serves as a lifeline for the region’s economic and social vitality.
More than a rail service, Metra represents a community of skilled professionals committed to delivering safe, affordable, and reliable transportation. The organization’s diverse workforce is the foundation of its success, working collaboratively to ensure operational efficiency and an exceptional passenger experience. Guided by a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and service excellence, Metra continues to invest in its people — its greatest asset — to meet the evolving needs of the Chicago metropolitan area.
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