Transit Agency Welcomes Experienced Team of Public Sector Leaders with Deep New York Ties
Appointments Streamline Management Functions
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that North America’s largest transportation network has appointed a group of distinguished public servants who will join the ranks of MTA leadership. In addition to senior appointments, the MTA’s reorganized leadership team reduces the number of direct reports to the MTA Chair and CEO in line with management best practices.
“I am excited to welcome such an experienced and committed group of public servants from diverse backgrounds to leadership roles across the MTA,” said MTA Acting Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “These individuals have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers and have navigated complex challenges throughout their careers. The MTA welcomes them to the important work of bringing back ridership and driving the region’s economic recovery.”
The MTA’s new leadership team includes:
Lisette Camilo will serve as Chief Administrative Officer. Most recently, Camilo served as Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) for the past six years. DCAS provides centralized operational support and management services to over 50 City agencies with an annual operating budget of $1.3 billion and 2,500 employees. Commissioner Camilo brings to the MTA a history of public service, beginning at the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS) in the legal unit in 2011, where she was appointed NYC Chief Procurement Officer in 2014. Prior to MOCS, Commissioner Camilo served as Legislative Counsel at the New York City Council for the Contracts, Juvenile Justice, and General Welfare Committees. Previously, Camilo practiced immigration law. She began her legal career as Counsel for UNITE HERE Local 100, which represents hotel, restaurant, and commercial food service workers. The newly created CAO role will oversee the MTA’s Procurement, IT, Real Estate, and Human Resources functions across the agency.
Jamie Torres-Springer will serve as President at MTA Construction and Development. Torres-Springer is Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC), where he has served since 2018. The agency is responsible for delivering $15 billion in infrastructure and facilities across City government. He led development and implementation of DDC’s Strategic Blueprint for Construction Excellence, a comprehensive plan to streamline capital project delivery, and had a leading role in several programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including siting vaccination centers and building an emergency medical PPE stockpile. Prior to DDC, he led a national planning practice working on urban infrastructure, open space, and citywide strategic plans for inclusive growth and sustainability.
Shanifah Rieara will serve as Senior Advisor, Communications and Policy. Shanifah recently served as Deputy Comptroller for Public Affairs at the New York City Comptroller's Office. In this role, she managed all aspects of the Office’s public engagement including community outreach, special events and constituent services. She also oversaw strategic engagement with interfaith communities and New York City’s growing immigrant and diverse constituencies. Previously, Rieara served as Assistant Comptroller and Bureau Chief of Public Affairs in the Comptroller’s Office and Northern Manhattan Director in the Manhattan Borough President’s Office. Before joining the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, Rieara worked at both Manhattan Community Boards 7 and 9.
Additional changes to the MTA’s senior leadership include:
- Chief Customer Officer Sarah Meyer will report directly to the Chair and CEO.
- MTA Construction and Development Chief of Staff John McCarthy will serve as Chief, External Relations reporting to the Chair and CEO, and will lead communications, Governmental and Community Affairs, MTA Arts & Design, and key policy initiatives.
- Laura Wiles will serve as Chief of Staff.
- Naomi Renek will serve as Senior Advisor for Federal Policy.
- Paige Graves will serve as Acting General Counsel.
To view the MTA's senior leadership organizational chart, click here.