Leadership Team

CEO Brent Cagle smiling with Charlotte skyline in the background

Brent Cagle - Interim Chief Executive Officer

Brent Cagle currently serves the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), a position he assumed in December 2022 while working within the City Manager’s Office as Deputy City Manager for the City of Charlotte. In his role at CATS, he leads the strategic direction and oversight of transit services throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, ensuring safe, reliable and accessible mobility for the region.

Brent brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience in the aviation sector. Prior to joining CATS, he served as Aviation Director/CEO for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). His career also includes key financial leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and various finance and budget positions within the City of Phoenix.

Administration

CAO Elizabeth Presuitti smiling in front of a white backdrop

Elizabeth Presutti - Chief Administrative Officer

Elizabeth Presutti serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), where she oversees key operational functions including Human Resources, Technology, Marketing and Communications, Business Partnerships, Customer Service, Pass Sales, Government and Industry Relations, Organizational Strategy and Performance as well as Administrative Support to the board. She is committed to driving organizational excellence and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement.

Elizabeth brings over two decades of transit leadership experience. Prior to rejoining CATS, she spent 14 years at the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), serving at CEO for 11 years. Her connection to CATS began earlier in her career, where she held roles as Bus Operations Project Manager and Manager of Service Planning from 2003-2008. She also worked as a Senior Associate at Transportation Management and Design, a transit planning consulting firm prior to 2003.

Finance

CATS Chief of Finance Chad Howell

Chad Howell - Chief Financial Officer

Chad Howell serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), where he leads a broad financial and administrative portfolio that includes Accounting Operations, Budget Oversight, Contract Management, Financial Controls, Civil Rights and Procurement. He plays a critical role in aligning the organization’s financial infrastructure with strategic priorities, while championing transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship.

Chad brings extensive public sector experience, having held key leadership roles within the City of Charlotte, including Capital Budget Manager for CATS and Chief Financial Officer for Charlotte Water. His career also spans a range of government settings, from counties to municipalities of varying size and complexity, including serving as Town Administrator for Shallotte, NC.

Operations

Victoria Johnson smiling with the Charlotte skyline in the background

Victoria Johnson - Chief Operations Officer

Victoria Johnson serves as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), where she oversees core operational functions including Rail and Bus Operations, Paratransit Services, Facilities Management and the Operations Training Division. Her leadership is instrumental in delivering safe, reliable and efficient transit services to the community.

Victoria brings more than 25 years of operational leadership experience, including 12 years as the Director of Solid Waste Services for the City of Charlotte, and over 20 years with the Solid Waste Division at Miami Dade County. Prior to joining CATS, she also served the City of Charlotte for over four years as an Assistant City Manager and Special Assistant to the City Manager, contributing to strategic initiatives and cross-departmental coordination.

Development and Planning

CDO Kelly Goforth smiling in front of a window

Kelly Goforth - Chief Development Officer

Kelly Goforth is the Chief Development Officer for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), where she leads strategic growth initiatives and oversees a diverse portfolio that includes Service Planning and Scheduling, Capital Planning and Asset Management, Major Project Delivery, Engineering, Art in Transit, Real Estate and Transit-Oriented Development, and Long-Range System Planning. She is responsible for guiding the development and implementation of the 2055 Transit System Plan, which encompasses transformative projects such as including the Red Line, Silver Line, Gold Line, and Blue Line as well as Better Bus.

Kelly is a transportation leader with over 30 years of experience advancing major public transit initiatives that connect communities, expand mobility options, and drive regional growth. Before assuming her current role at CATS, she was the CATS Project Development Manager and also served as Deputy Project Director for the $1.16 billion LYNX Blue Line Extension project. Kelly has been a dedicated part of the CATS team for 22 years, with expertise in the federal project development process, project management, environmental planning, and project controls. Prior to joining CATS, she spent over seven years with the Triangle Transit Authority in Raleigh-Durham, in planning and project development.

Safety & Security

Eric Osnes - Chief Safety and Security Officer

Eric Osnes serves as Chief Safety and Security Officer for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), where he leads systemwide efforts in safety strategy, security operations and emergency preparedness. His work ensures a safe, secure and reliable transit experience for both riders and employees.

Eric brings over 20 years of expertise in public safety and transportation security. His career includes leadership roles at the Gateway Development Commission (GDC), MTA Bridges and Tunnels, and MTA Capital Construction, as well as prior service with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where he contributed to national security and infrastructure protection.

General Counsel

Bradley Thomas - General Counsel

Brad Thomas serves as General Counsel for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), where he leads the organization’s legal team and oversees all legal affairs. In addition to managing internal legal matters, he provides counsel to the CATS’ policy board, the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC), supporting governance and strategic decision-making.

Brad brings 28 years of legal experience to the City of Charlotte, offering deep expertise in public sector law and a strong commitment to ethical and effective legal guidance.

            
Back to top