NYCT names Hakim president

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the appointment of Veronique "Ronnie" Hakim as the eighth permanent president of MTA New York City Transit (NYCT).

Hakim most recently served as executive director of New Jersey Transit. She'll assume the duties of James Ferrara, who had been serving as NYCT's interim president since Carmen Bianco's retirement in August.

Veronique Hakim
Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Before her time at NJ Transit, she worked for nearly four years as executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, MTA officials said in a news release.

Hakim returns to the MTA after an earlier 23-year stint at the agency. She previously served as special counsel at NYCT, as well as executive vice president and general counsel at MTA Capital Construction Co.

"Our transit network is the lifeblood of the entire region, and I am glad to welcome Ronnie back to New York City Transit and to entrust her with the responsibility of ensuring safe and reliable service even as ridership grows every month," said MTA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Prendergast. "Ronnie’s comprehensive transportation experience, her detailed vision for the future and her demonstrated ability to bring real improvements to customers make her the right person to tackle New York City Transit’s challenges now."

Hakim will take up her new role Dec. 28.