Jain nominated as next NJ DOT commissioner

New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill yesterday announced she plans to nominate Priya Jain as the state's next commissioner of the state's transportation department.

Jain is a civil engineer and business professional with experience delivering complex programs across New Jersey, the United States and globally, according to a press release issued by Sherrill's office. Sherrill will be inaugurated as governor later today.

Jain will be critical in delivering faster commutes and safer roads; reduced barriers, delays and costs in New Jersey’s permitting process; and key infrastructure improvements ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Sherrill said in the release.

Most recently, Jain served as the president of Americas for Mace Consult. With a career spanning leadership roles in global engineering and consultancy firms, Jain has deep expertise in business development, strategy and organizational transformation, Sherrill administration officials said. All of Sherrill's departmental nominees must be confirmed by the state Senate. 

Last week, Sherrill announced New Jersey Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri will retain his post as head of the transit agency, and also nominated him as executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. 

"With Priya at the helm and Kris Kolluri overseeing both the Turnpike Authority and NJ Transit, we are going to reimagine and streamline how transit is run in the state of New Jersey," Sherrill said. "Together, we’ll cut through red tape and make sure we’re fixing our aging roads and bridges, reducing delays on NJ Transit, expanding bus services to communities across the state and continue progress on the Gateway Project.”