MetroLINK CEO leaves behind a nationally recognized legacy of modernization
and community impact in public transportation
 
Jeff Nelson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (MetroLINK), will retire at the end of October, marking the culmination of an extraordinary 42-year career defined by advancing public transportation, mobility, and community development in the Quad Cities region and beyond.
Over four decades, Nelson transformed MetroLINK from a regional transit provider into an applauded model that excels at deploying innovation, creating economic impact, and building community partnerships. The agency is now recognized for its leadership in community revitalization and multimodal development on a national level.

Under his guidance, MetroLINK received the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) “Outstanding Public Transportation System Award,” along with numerous national and state honors including the Federal Transit Administration’s “State Leadership Award,” the APTA “Bus Safety Gold Award,” Metro Magazine’s “Innovation of the Year Award,” The “Mark Schwiebert Sustainability Award”, and the NAACP “Business Image Award.”
Most recently, Jeff was awarded the Illinois Public Transportation Association “Lifetime Achievement Award” and the River Action “Lifetime Achievement Award.”

“Jeff’s leadership has been nothing short of visionary,” said Dave Krouth, Chair of the MetroLINK Board of Trustees. “He has elevated MetroLINK’s role as not only a transit provider, but as a catalyst for regional growth, economic opportunity, and innovation.”
A nationally recognized expert in urban design, land use planning, and economic development, Nelson’s tenure was marked by a focus on leveraging transit investment to drive community transformation. His work led to the creation of multimodal transit facilities in downtown Moline, East Moline, and Rock Island; the construction of a state-of-the-art Operations and Maintenance Center; and the development of the “Q” Multi Modal Station -- a $30 million public-private redevelopment project in downtown Moline that will serve as the western terminus for future passenger rail service between Chicago and Moline.

Nelson was also an early champion of alternative fuel technology, introducing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in 2002 and later expanding MetroLINK’s fleet to include battery-electric vehicles. Today, MetroLINK operates a 100% eco-friendly fleet, with 70% CNG and 30% electric vehicles -- an enduring testament to his commitment to innovation and stewardship.
His vision also extended to the Mississippi River. Since taking over the Channel Cat passenger ferryboat service in 1998, Nelson has secured state and federal investments to expand routes and infrastructure, transforming the Channel Cat into one of the Quad Cities’ most beloved attractions.

Beyond his local achievements, Nelson has been a national leader and advocate for public transit. He has held numerous leadership roles within the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), including Chair of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Legislative Committee. His additional service includes leadership roles as Chair of the Quad Cities Manufacturing Lab, President of the Illinois Public Transportation Association, Chair of the National Transit Institute at Rutgers University, and Board Member of the Moline Foundation, among other community and industry appointments.

“It has been an honor to lead MetroLINK and work alongside an exceptional team committed to improving mobility and quality of life for our community,” said Nelson. “Together, we’ve built a public transit system that will continue to shape the region’s future for generations to come.”

The MetroLINK Board of Trustees engaged a national executive search team to identify Nelson’s successor. Jeff will continue to lead the organization through the transition period.