The MTA’s worst-kept secret is now public: Long Islander Pat Foye is the transit authority’s new president.
As widely rumored, Foye will step down as executive director of the Port Authority later this week, joining a sweeping overhaul of the MTA that names acting executive director Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim as managing director.
Hakim and Foye will answer to Joseph Lhota in a newly created Office of the Chairman. MTA chief development officer Janno Lieber, who oversees capital projects, will also be moved to work under the new office as well.
“Pat and Ronnie are veteran transportation professionals who together with Janno form the dynamic team the MTA needs at this moment,” Lhota said in a statement. “Pat and Ronnie will assume the day-to-day leadership of the MTA and ensure that our customers are always our first priority.”
In his new role, Foye will be in charge of “innovation” and guide new projects that will bring the MTA “into the 21st century,” Lhota said.
Foye’s departure at the Port Authority came amid sweeping leadership changes at the bi-state agency on Tuesday. Governors Cuomo and Chris Christie of New Jersey announced that both Foye and Port Authority chairman John Degnan would be replaced this week.
