Tom is an accomplished and recognized leader in the rail and transportation industry. Prior to joining AECOM, he served in a variety of leadership roles at NYC Transit during his more than 30 years with the agency, including president. Between 2013 and 2017, Tom was the chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the largest public transportation agency in North America, and was responsible for establishing the strategic direction and policies of the various MTA agencies, which include NYC Transit; the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR); Metro-North Railroad; MTA Bus; MTA Bridges & Tunnels; and MTA Capital Construction (MTACC). He was instrumental in securing a 5-year capital plan to improve and modernize New York’s public transportation systems, including Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access.
Tom began his illustrious career more than 40 years ago at the Chicago Transit Authority. He joined NYC Transit Authority in 1982 as an assistant director of system safety, ascending to become the senior vice president for subways in 1991. He later ran the LIRR and oversaw the public transportation system in Vancouver, British Columbia. Tom returned to NYC Transit in 2009 as president and oversaw the restoration of the subway system that was severely damaged in 2012 by the Hurricane Sandy storm surge. He was recognized for accomplishing the restoration of service efficiently and embarking on ambitious rehabilitation and resiliency program to mitigate future flood damage and impact to service.