In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we meet Kevin Bueso, Chief Financial Officer at the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois. Kevin shares his inspiring journey from Honduras to leading finance operations at one of the country’s largest transit oversight agencies.
Join host Tyler Traudt as he explores Kevin’s strategic initiatives to address the challenges of post-pandemic public transit, the ongoing fiscal cliff, and the role of technology in transforming operations. Kevin discusses the unique challenges the RTA faces as an oversight and funding agency for Chicago’s vast transit system, and how coordination between the RTA and its sister agencies—CTA, Metra, and Pace—is essential for managing public transit services across the metropolitan area.
Kevin also shares his approach to future-proofing his team, encouraging staff to continuously question their methods and think strategically about their roles. His leadership balances innovation with operational efficiency, offering valuable lessons for anyone in public finance, transportation, or leadership.
Featured Guest
Kevin Bueso is the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Deputy Executive Director of Finance, Innovation, and Technology at the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois. Kevin is responsible for overseeing the financial strategies and operations of the RTA, providing crucial leadership at a pivotal moment for the region’s transit system. His areas of focus include financial planning, budgeting, treasury operations, IT strategy, and capital project management.
Before joining the RTA in 2023, Kevin served as Chief Financial Officer for McHenry County, where he contributed his expertise in strategic financial management, change management, and succession planning. His extensive background in local government finance spans roles such as Finance Director for the Village of Round Lake Beach and Assistant Director of Finance for the City of Waukegan, where he gained deep experience in fiscal oversight, budget development, and internal controls.
Kevin holds both a Bachelor’s and an MBA in Accounting & Finance from Roosevelt University. He is actively engaged with professional associations and was instrumental in establishing the Illinois Chapter of the Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN). Fluent in Spanish and originally from Honduras, Kevin brings a unique and global perspective to his work in public finance.
Top Takeaways From Episode 18
(1) Importance of Cash Flow Management Handling Financial Operations in Public Transit: Kevin explains the unique challenges the RTA faces as an oversight and funding agency for the Chicago transit system. He explains the importance of coordination between the RTA and its sister agencies—CTA, Metra, and Pace—in managing public transit services across a vast metropolitan area
(2) Strategic Financial Leadership Amidst Challenges: As CFO, Kevin is responsible for addressing the ongoing fiscal cliff facing public transit in the post-pandemic world. His approach to long-term financial planning, including budget strategies and funding solutions, reflects his commitment to ensuring that services meet regional needs while managing declining ridership levels.
(3) Future-Proofing the Workforce: Kevin shares the importance of preparing his team for future challenges through employee engagement and development programs. By encouraging his staff to continuously question their methods and think strategically about their roles, Kevin is cultivating a workforce equipped to face the ever-changing public finance industry.