Staff

Meet the team of dedicated professionals and public servants that keep our buses rolling and our passengers en route to their destination.

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Meet the Team at Jax

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At JAX, we take pride in employing a team of dedicated and professional transit staff who are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of their work. From our frontline bus operators to dispatchers to our skilled mechanics, each member of our team brings a wealth of expertise and passion to their role. 

We prioritize hiring individuals who not only possess the necessary skills and qualifications but also embody our JAX values of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement. Through ongoing training and development opportunities, we empower our staff to stay ahead of industry trends and best practices, ensuring that they are equipped to provide the highest level of service to our customers. 

With our professional team at the helm, we are confident in our ability to meet and exceed the needs of our clients while upholding the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

Explore the content below to learn more about our team.

Board and Executive Leadership

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Read the bios and business profile of the JAX administrative team. Our Board of Trustees and executive leadership is staffed by public servants born, raised, and in many cases educated in southern Illinois. We’re committed to delivering public transportation to all in Jackson County, and we’re happy to be of service.

Board of Trustees

RideJAX Staff Member

Richard Whitney, Board Chair

Current Board Chair Rich Whitney resides in Carbondale, and has served on the Jackson County Mass Transit District Board since 2016. He is an attorney by profession and currently works as an appellate defender, providing representation in the appellate court for defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford private counsel.

He has been a longtime advocate for public mass transit, including in his two campaigns as a candidate for governor of Illinois.

He is also active in many community activities, including as a member of the Peace Coalition of Southern Illinois, a volunteer commentator and DJ with WDBX community radio, and as an occasional actor with the Jackson County Stage Company.

He and his wife Paula have three adult children and one grandson.

Susan Metcalf

She is a retired Real Estate Broker, and was Director of Good Samaritan Ministries for 20 years.

She became interested in the development of the agency because it provides vital service to the people in the community who have challenges which prevent them from obtaining private transportation.

Clint Maue

Serving as a trustee with JCMTD since 2019. Clint is also a Board member with Plum Street Home Association and Finance Council at St. Andrews Church in Murphysboro, IL.

Previously served on the City Council in Trenton, IL and multiple organizations/committees within the city. Member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT/FEMA). Lean Six Sigma certified.

Joshua Hellman

Joshua Hellmann, graduated from John A. Logan college in 2012 as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and currently lives in Carbondale. An avid supporter and user of mass transit, his other interests include storm spotting as part of the National Weather Service’s Skywarn program.

Vacant Board Trustee

Senior Executive Leadership

RideJAX Staff Member

Shawn Freeman, Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Freeman currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer.

He is a SIUC Saluki Alumni with a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice and a second bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He was awarded a Masters in Business Administration from McKendree University.

He has been dedicated to public service for over two decades. He has provided executive leadership in multiple fields including juvenile justice, juvenile substance abuse treatment and transit settings.

A lifelong resident of southern Illinois, who has come to find beauty in the national and state parks across the southern half of Illinois.  When not in his JAX office you most likely find him anywhere from Giant City State Park right here in the JAX’s backyard to the Trails of Tears State Forest.

RideJAX Staff Member

Anedra Williams, Chief Financial Officer

Anedra Williams is JAX’s Chief Financial Officer. She graduated from Southern Illinois University with her Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

She enlisted in the U.S. Army from 2002 through 2005 where she received the rank of Sergeant. She has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Anedra still serves her country today in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Anedra moonwalked into Jackson County Mass Transit in September of 2022.  She enjoys family time with her husband, Brian, and their children.

RideJAX Staff Member

Jimmy Leadingham, Chief Operations Officer

Jimmy Leadingham serves as JAX’s Chief Operations Officer. He started my career back in July of 2017 when he joined the team  as the Operations Manager.

He is born and raised in southern Illinois and currently lives just outside Carbondale with my wife of almost twenty years and our three children. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) in 2003.  He is currently working on a master’s degree in urban planning.

When he is away from work, he enjoys spending time with my family, and it is usually watching or coaching one of his children in their sports activities. Before joining JAX, he worked construction for five years and before that he worked in finance for thirteen years.

Rich Jones, Chief Safety, Health and Wellness Officer

Rich Jones was born and raised in Chicago and originally came to southern Illinois in 2001 to study criminal justice. As a resident for over 20 years and a father of two teenage daughters, he is fully invested in the area and eager to see it thrive. Before being promoted to Chief Safety Officer, Rich excelled as a veteran driver of nine years. In that time, he has become well versed in the inner workings of transportation as well as the needs of the community. In Rich’s free time he is an avid motorcyclist and enjoys traveling.

RideJAX Staff Member

Darla Harris, Operations Manager

Darla Harris serves as JAX’s Operations Manager. She has lived in Jackson County most of her life. She has been married for over two decades and have two adult daughters.

She began her journey in transportation in 2017.  She started as a dispatcher where she honed her skills and passion for transit. She has been twice promoted for her hard work and dedication.

Before coming to JCMTD I spent 20-plus years working in retail sales. Her retail help her thrive in transportation as the customer service aspect goes hand in hand. She is currently furthering her education in Business Management. Mrs. Harris simply states, “I honestly could not see myself working anywhere else as JAX is my home.”

RideJAX Staff Member

Josh Kordzinski, Fleet Manager

Joshua Kordzinski grew up in Naperville, Illinois. He received a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology and double minored in advanced diagnostics and fleet and equipment management from Southern Illinois university. In May of 2024, Josh assumed the role of fleet manager for Jackson County Mass Transit District. In Josh’s free time he enjoys working on classic cars as well as off-roading with his younger brothers.

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Dispatchers

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Public transit dispatchers are the maestros of the transit symphony, orchestrating the seamless dance of buses, trains, and trolleys across the city. With their eagle eyes on real-time schedules and routes, they ensure that everything runs like clockwork. When traffic throws a tantrum or a route needs a little detour magic, these dispatchers are the wizards who keep everything on track.

They chat with drivers and conductors, sharing updates, and tidbits of wisdom to navigate the urban jungle. When things go sideways—like an unexpected breakdown—they’re the heroes who swoop in, sending backup vehicles and organizing repairs faster than you can say “next stop.”

Keeping meticulous logs of every twist and turn, they’re the unsung heroes making sure your daily commute is as smooth as a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.

A JAX Dispatcher

Professional Drivers

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JAX’s professional drivers are the district’s everyday superheroes, navigating their trusty chariots through the urban maze with finesse and a smile. Behind the wheel, they’re captains of their own rolling ships, greeting each passenger with a friendly nod or a cheerful “good morning!” They masterfully steer through traffic jams and unexpected detours, all while keeping a lookout for the next stop.

When it rains, they’re the ones making sure everyone stays dry, and on sunny days, they bring a little extra sunshine with their upbeat tunes and positive vibes.

With a knack for keeping schedules tight and routes right, bus drivers turn the daily commute into a smooth, enjoyable ride. Hop on board and enjoy the journey—they’ve got it all under control!

A JAX Driver

Mechanics

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JAX’s mechanics are the behind-the-scenes wizards who keep the wheels turning and the engines purring. With a toolkit of wrenches and screwdrivers, they dive under hoods and into engine compartments, diagnosing hiccups and fixing glitches faster than you can say “all aboard!”

These mechanical maestros tune up the buses, ensuring everything runs smoother than a freshly paved road. Whether it’s a squeaky brake, a grumpy engine, or a leaky exhaust, they have the know-how to make it right. They’re the unsung heroes in grease-stained capes, making sure that when you step onto a JAX bus, it’s ready to whisk you away on your daily adventure without a hitch. So, next time your ride arrives on time, give a little cheer for the mechanics who keep the wheels on the bus turning!

The JAX Fleet

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JAX’ fleet is made up of mix of vehicles designed to be fully accessible and go the distance.  The district’s fleet is a vibrant, bustling collection of vehicles that keep the district moving. Picture a colorful parade of sleek buses, gliding light rail trains, and perhaps even a charming trolley, each emblazoned with the JAX’s unique brand of style.

The buses come in various sizes, from compact shuttle buses perfect for navigating narrow streets, to longer heavy-duty buses that smoothly accommodate large crowds during rush hour. Together, this diverse array of vehicles forms the lifeline of Carbondale and Jackson County mobility, each one playing a crucial part in the symphony of city life, ferrying passengers to their destinations with efficiency and reliability.

Our current fleet includes ten (10) medium duty buses, six (6) super medium duty buses and six (6) heavy duty buses and four (4) heavy duty hybrid buses.  To compliment our fleet of buses we have three ADA Paratransit Vans to make it into tight spaces.

Join the JAX team!

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Are you ready to embark on an exciting new chapter in your career? We’re on the lookout for passionate, talented individuals who are eager to make a difference. At JAX, we believe in fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives, and every team member can shine.

Join us and become part of a community that values creativity, collaboration, and growth. Explore our opportunities, learn about our culture, and discover how you can contribute to our mission. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things. Let’s build a brighter future—together!

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