MTA Chairman / CEO Turnover

Since 1968 (Official consolidation of New York City transit services) there have been 12 MTA Chairman, which means only average each one served 4.1 years.  Since 2007, the average has been 2 years!

Poor J. Lhota: 1/9/2012 through 12/31/2012.  He probably was not even able to witness a Purchase Order go through and see it delivered.

Being the CEO at the MTA, is very different than being a CEO for a Public Company. The primary reason is because the MTA Chairman is the position that links all of the operating agencies together (LIRR, MNR, NYCT, MTA Bus, Bridge and Tunnel).  Without the chairman, there can be no consolidation of operations and effecienies.  In 2016, the MTA is finally starting to combine procurement offices; no one needs 5 different people buying pens and pencils from 5 different vendors.  

So when you have that kind of turnover over a 5 year stretch from 2007 through 2012, you have delayed that process of trying to get everyone on the same page.  Thankfully the current CEO, Tom P. has been in the position for over 3 and half years (plus decades running other transit operations) and the NY Governorship will not be changed until 2018 which means Tom should be able hit 6 years in the position and provide much needed continuity to the MTA as well as push long term projects that would not be possible with leaders that last only 1 to 2 years.