John M.Lewis is the Chief Executive Officer of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). He arrived in September 2015 and is leading CATS through a significant stage of growth to construct the LYNX Blue Line Extension, expand existing light rail platforms to accept three car trains, and advance the CityLYNX Gold Line Phase 2 (streetcar) through final design and in to construction.

Mr. Lewis has focused on advancing the long-term transit plan, enhancing customer service to attract and retain customers and on ensuring a safe and reliable transit system for the region.

He brings a wealth of transit knowledge and experience to Charlotte, having previously served as CEO of the Central Florida Regional Transit Authority (LYNX) where he provided strategic leadership to Central Florida’s primary mass transit system. Prior to his time with LYNX, Mr. Lewis held several leadership positions as the CEO of the Greater Richmond Transit Company, and director of rail operations and director of bus operations with the Maryland Transit Administration.

Mr. Lewis is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, Penn., and he holds a bachelor of arts in political science.