The governing and administrative body of the Authority shall be a board consisting of seven members, to be known as Chicago Transit Board. Members of the Board shall be residents of the metropolitan area and persons of recognized business ability. No member of the Board of the Authority shall hold any other office or employment under the Federal, State or any County or any municipal government, or any other unit of local government, except an honorary office without compensation or an office in the National Guard. No employee of the Authority shall hold any other office or employment under the Federal, State or any County or any municipal government, or any other unit of local government, except an office with compensation not exceeding $15,000 annually or a position in the National Guard or the United States military reserves. Provided, however, that the Chairman may be a member of the Board of the Regional Transportation Authority. No member of the Board or employee of the Authority shall have any private financial interest, profit or benefit in any contract, work or business of the Authority nor in the sale or lease of any property to or from the Authority. The salary of each member of the initial Board shall be $15,000.00 per annum, and such salary shall not be increased or diminished during his or her term of office. The salaries of successor members of the Board shall be fixed by the Board and shall not be increased or diminished during their respective terms of office. No Board member shall be allowed any fees, perquisites or emoluments, reward or compensation for his or her services as a member or officer of the Authority aside from his or her salary or pension, but he or she shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred by him or her in the performance of his or her duties.