NICTD Names David Dech President: Tri-Rail Veteran Takes Helm

David Dech, former Tri-Rail director, becomes NICTD’s new president on March 16, bringing 30 years of rail experience to lead the South Shore Line.

January 30, 2026 8:39 pm

🛑 Key Takeaways:

Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) has appointed David Dech as its new president, succeeding Michael Noland.
The leadership transition is effective March 16. Dech brings 30 years of combined freight and passenger rail experience.
Dech’s background at SFRTA (Tri-Rail) and Capital Metro signals a focus on operational leadership from other major U.S. commuter systems.

SOUTH BEND, IN – The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) has named David Dech its next president, with the transition set for March 16. Dech, a 30-year rail industry veteran, will succeed Michael Noland in leading the operator of the 90-mile South Shore Line between South Bend International Airport and Millennium Station in Chicago. Dech most recently served as executive director of Florida’s Tri-Rail commuter system.

Category	Specification / Detail
Organization	Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD)
Appointment	President
Incoming Executive	David Dech
Outgoing Executive	Michael Noland
Effective Date	March 16
Executive’s Prior Role	Executive Director, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA)

Operational & Technical Details

David Dech assumes leadership of a critical passenger rail corridor in the Chicago metropolitan area. NICTD’s South Shore Line spans 90 miles, connecting Northern Indiana with the downtown Chicago transit hub. Dech’s experience includes direct operational management, such as the design, construction, and opening of rail yards. His career began at CSX as a switchman, providing a foundation in freight operations which often share corridors with commuter services. Prior to his most recent role at SFRTA, which he joined in August 2022, Dech was vice president of rail operations for Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Austin, Texas.

Market Impact Analysis

Dech’s appointment brings a leader with diverse operational experience from both freight and passenger sectors to NICTD. His recent tenures at SFRTA’s Tri-Rail and Austin’s Capital Metro indicate a strong background in managing commuter rail systems in complex, growing urban environments. This shift in leadership from Noland to Dech may signal a renewed focus on operational efficiency and infrastructure management, leveraging Dech’s hands-on experience from CSX. His appointment places a seasoned operator at the helm of one of the nation’s oldest commuter railroads during a period of significant regional development focus in Northwest Indiana.