People News: SEPTA, Wabtec

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) appoints Elisa Cunningham as Chief Technology Officer. Also, Wabtec Corporation elevates Kyra Yates to Vice President of Investor Relations.

SEPTA

Elisa Cunningham is joining SEPTA as Chief Technology Officer, a newly created role to lead the transit authority’s Information Technology Department of approximately 80 employees and to develop and implement a long-term technology strategy that ensures system resiliency and security.

Cunningham has more than 20 years of experience in the IT field. She comes to SEPTA from Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink), where she served as Chief Technology Officer since March 2023. At Metrolink, she led technological transformation across southern California by acquiring a multi-agency regional rail mobile ticketing application supporting the 2028 Olympic Games; she also developed strategies for corporate technology, positive train control, and fare collection components. Prior to Metrolink, Cunningham was Assistant Vice President of Technology and Information Management at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), overseeing data management, enterprise resource planning systems, and web and mobile development. Additionally, she has served as Senior Information Technology Manager for L-3 Communications, Senior Information Technology Manager for the city of Dallas, and Information Technology Manager for the county of Dallas.

Cunningham earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Louisiana State University and a Master of Business Administration in information systems from University of Redlands.

“From trip planning to fare collection—safety and security to sustainability—technology plays a critical part in making our system more seamless, reliable, and accessible,” SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards said. “I am confident Elisa will prioritize technology upgrades that will increase ridership.”

Wabtec

Kyra Yates on March 18 will take on the role of Vice President of Investor Relations at Wabtec, succeeding Kristine Kubacki. Yates has been with the company since 2008, holding several leadership positions within the finance team. Most recently, she served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Wabtec’s Global Operations, managing the financial performance for the manufacturing, sourcing and logistics operations. Yates earned her B.A. in accounting from Bellarmine University.

“Kyra is a well-respected leader with a deep understanding of the company’s financials, operations and growth strategy,” said John Olin, Executive Vice President and CFO of Wabtec. “Having held diverse leadership roles in our Finance organization over the years, Kyra’s in-depth experience in transportation, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial sales will be valuable in communicating how Wabtec is bringing value to our shareholders by delivering innovative products and services to the industries we serve.”

“I want to extend my thanks to Kristine for her many contributions to Wabtec, including helping to build a first-class investor relations function,” Olin continued. “Her knowledge and passion for our company have been essential in educating the financial community on Wabtec’s strategy and value proposition.”