Feinberg nominated to chair MTA, Lieber named CEO

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo yesterday nominated Sarah Feinberg to become chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and appointed Janno Lieber chief executive officer.

If her nomination is approved by the New York State Senate, Feinberg would become the first woman to serve the authority as chair and would assume the post after leading MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) through the pandemic. Feinberg has served as NYCT's interim president since March 2020.

"I am thrilled to be stepping into a position that allows me to continue to play a significant role in how our subway and bus systems operate, but to also have even more of an impact in shaping the future of the agency, and of transportation in this city and region," Feinberg said in a press release.

Lieber will begin serving as MTA's CEO on July 30. He shaped the MTA's $51.5 billion capital plan and drive construction efforts during the COVID-19 crisis as president of MTA Construction and Development. Lieber also helped spearhead the agency's successful efforts to secure $14 billion from the federal government in the face of the pandemic-induced financial crisis. 

Patrick Foye — who has led the MTA as chairman, president and CEO for the past four years — will depart the authority July 30 and step into a new role as interim president and CEO of Empire State Development.

"Sarah, Janno and Pat are not only fiercely dedicated public servants, but proven leaders who kept the metropolitan region's transportation network operating efficiently through the worst public health crisis in a generation, and thanks to their tireless efforts, our essential workers were able to get to their destinations and help save lives," Cuomo said in a press release. "Moreover, they oversaw and pushed through historic change and construction progress across the MTA, giving the system the upgrades that will better serve riders for generations."

Feinberg's rail industry experience includes service as administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration during President Barack Obama's presidency.