A second former Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) official has been tapped to join Metra's board of directors.

Retired CTA executive John Plante of Wilmette, who was with the CTA for 35 years, was selected for the position Wednesday by Cook County commissioners who represent Evanston, Leyden, New Trier, Niles, Northfield, Norwood Park, Maine, and the Oak Park and River Forest Townships. While with the CTA, Plante gained emergency planning experience.

“John has the experience and skills to ensure that Metra has what it needs to prevail over its difficulties,” Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin said in a statement. “His emergency preparedness work and legal background will help Metra to work through its current problems and foresee any potential future problems. He is an excellent choice.”

On Monday, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle picked former CTA official Romayne Brown of Dolton to serve on Metra's board, which has seen six members leave since June as a result of former Metra CEO Alex Clifford's controversial and costly $871,000 severance package. Clifford says he was forced out of his job because he refused to go along with alleged patronage deals and shady hiring practices within the agency.

Plante, who does not need to be confirmed by the full Cook County Board, will fill the seat of Metra board member William Widmer III.

Brown, who still needs to be confirmed by the Cook County Board, would replace Metra board member Stanley Rakestraw.