New York Gov. Kathy Hochul nominated Janno Lieber to serve as chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board and nominated Elizabeth Velez to serve as a director on the board.
"As governor, my first duty to New Yorkers is to ensure that those who serve our state are experienced, committed and ready to tackle the challenges we face," Gov. Hochul said. "Janno is leading the MTA forward with expert management and vision, and Elizabeth will bring a wealth of invaluable knowledge and expertise to our challenges together. These are strong, competent leaders who will help steer the MTA through this critical time. We will continue to make appointments that ensure our transit system delivers for riders."
Lieber has been acting chair of the MTA Board and CEO as of July 2021, following the departure of Pat Foye. Lieber joined MTA in 2017 in a new position of chief development officer where he led and provided oversight of strategic capital initiatives focused on improving capacity of MTA’s system.
He was the head of MTA Capital Construction Company and managed MTA’s capacity expansion capital projects, including East Side Access, Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway and the Long Island Rail Road Third Track project. He oversaw the agency’s $55 billion five-year capital program and was responsible for upgrades to signals and other major systems. He was responsible for upgrading and professionalizing the MTA's project management capacity and for integrating real estate planning and economic development into MTA infrastructure projects.
"I am honored and grateful to be nominated by Gov. Hochul, who has been a supporter from day one of a smart transit system that serves all New Yorkers. I look forward to working with the governor, her team and our partners in the legislature to ensure that subways, buses and commuter railroads continue to be an engine fueling the region's economic recovery," Lieber said.
Elizabeth Velez is currently the president of the Velez Organization, a second generation construction firm started in 1972 by her father, Andrew Velez. She is credited with providing direction to hundreds of delivered projects including more than $10 billion of significant educational, healthcare and large-scale projects throughout New York.
She is a trustee of Boricua College and serves on the advisory boards of numerous New York City and New York State agencies, industry non-profits and groups supporting mentorship and scholarships for youth. She is a member of the Board for Catholic Charities and the New York City Police Foundation. She is currently serving as a commissioner of the New York City Property Tax Reform Commission.
She is an outspoken advocate for diversity and empowerment of women, and a sought after speaker on women's leadership and work/family balance issues.
On Velez’s nomination, Lieber commented, "Elizabeth Velez has a deep understanding of the value of transportation to New Yorkers, will be an excellent addition to the board and I'm eager to work with her on important issues facing the MTA, including a historic capital program that will modernize and expand the transit network and provide enhanced equity and accessibility to New Yorkers in the years ahead."
Velez said she was thrilled to be nominated and noted MTA is a “crucial connection point.”
“With the impending influx of infrastructure dollars, the MTA is central to not only improving essential transportation, but also to creating opportunities both in workforce and procurement that affects our communities," said Velez.
