NEW YORK — Janno Lieber, the acting board chairman and CEO of Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has been nominated for the position on a permanent basis by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Hochul also nominated Elizabeth Velez for a position on the MTA board.
Lieber has been the acting chairman and CEO since July 2021. He was originally appointed as CEO by then-Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in June 2021, with Sarah Feinberg nominated for the CEO position, but the plan to split the positions failed to gain support in the state legislature [see “Digest: State legislators balk at proposed realignment …,” Trains News Wire, June 10, 2021]. Lieber previously was president of MTA Construction and Development.
“I look forward to working with the governor, her team and our partners in the legislature to ensure that subways, buses and commuter railroads continue to be an engine fueling the region’s economic recovery,” Lieber said in a press release.
“Janno is leading the MTA forward with expert management and vision, and Elizabeth will bring a wealth of invaluable knowledge and expertise to our challenges together,” Hochul said. “These are strong, competent leaders who will help steer the MTA through this critical time. We will continue to make appointments that ensure our transit system delivers for riders.”
Velez is president of the Velez Organization, a construction firm founded by her father; is a trustee of New York’s Boricua College; and serves on advisory boards for city and state agencies, non-profit organizations, and other public-service endeavors.
“I am thrilled to be nominated by Gov. Hochul to the MTA Board,” Velez said. “The MTA is a crucial connection point for New Yorkers throughout our city. With the impending influx of infrastructure dollars, the MTA is central to not only improving essential transportation, but also to creating opportunities both in workforce and procurement that affects our communities.”
