Metra hires Bronner Group to fill chief audit officer function

Metra has contracted the Bronner Group to manage the railroad's internal auditing on an interim basis as part of Metra's efforts to reform its business and management practices.

The firm will report to Metra Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno and the board's Audit and Finance Committee. Metra is in the midst of an initiative to
improve corporate governance, transparency and accountability, Metra officials said in a press release.

"Our goal is to foster strong ethics, professionalism and diligence for Metra staff at all levels," said Metra Chairman Martin Oberman.

Bronner Group also will help the board to determine the best long-term solution for the chief audit officer function.

Bronner began assisting Metra's audit department in July, while a search for a CAO was under way. Having the firm provide independent oversight was the best short-term solution for managing the audit function, Metra officials said. The current authorized spending level is $187,700 and the full-year cost is expected to increase to no more than $330,000, according to the agency.

To learn more about Metra's reform efforts, read the cover story in the July issue of Progressive Railroading.