Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, financial strategy, human resources, and administrative coordination.

Committed to enhancing regional mobility, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority delivers comprehensive transit solutions across subway, bus, and rail networks to ensure reliable, sustainable, and accessible transportation for the Greater Boston area.

Leadership Roles at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

  • Chief Financial Officer - Mary Ann O'Hara
  • Chief Operating Officer - Ryan Coholan
  • Chief of Staff to the COO - Deirdre Habershaw
  • Project Coordinator & Chief Operating Officer, Office of - Mallory Bedford
  • Chief of Staff - Phillip Harrison
  • Fare Transformation Chief of Staff - Mieka Lewis
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Engineer - Gideon Guilman
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Tom Waye
  • Dpty Chief Of Staff - Darrin McAuliffe
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Safety Officer - Alessandra Bouchard
  • Mary Ann O'Hara - Chief Financial Officer

    Mary Ann O'Hara, the Chief Financial Officer at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, governs the fiscal health and budgetary planning for all transit services. O'Hara oversees the allocation of capital funds for infrastructure projects, including subway and rail improvements. By managing fare revenue streams and government subsidies, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial stability required to maintain a comprehensive transit network. Mary Ann O'Hara directs the development of long-term financial models that support sustainability and accessibility initiatives. This leadership role involves reporting to the board on fiscal performance and identifying opportunities for cost-effective operations. O'Hara maintains rigorous oversight of procurement processes to maximize the value of every dollar spent on transit services. Through strategic financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary to modernize the fleet and enhance the overall user experience for residents and visitors.

    Ryan Coholan - Chief Operating Officer

    Ryan Coholan, the Chief Operating Officer at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, directs all daily transit operations across the subway, bus, and commuter rail networks. Coholan manages the complex logistics required to maintain service reliability throughout the Greater Boston area. By overseeing maintenance schedules and fleet deployment, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that daily transit services meet the needs of thousands of commuters. This leadership role involves coordinating with engineering teams to upgrade infrastructure and improve system safety. Ryan Coholan drives operational efficiency by implementing data-driven strategies that reduce delays and enhance the overall passenger experience. Through rigorous oversight of transit assets, Coholan maintains the integrity of the entire transportation network. The Chief Operating Officer remains focused on long-term sustainability goals while addressing immediate service demands across the region.
    Ryan Coholan

    Deirdre Habershaw - Chief of Staff to the COO

    Deirdre Habershaw, the Chief of Staff to the COO at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, coordinates the operational priorities and administrative functions within the office of the Chief Operating Officer. Habershaw manages the flow of information between operational departments to ensure that transit services remain consistent and reliable. By tracking key performance indicators, the Chief of Staff to the COO identifies areas for process improvement within the subway and bus divisions. Deirdre Habershaw facilitates meetings and project timelines that support the broader goal of enhancing regional mobility. This role involves translating high-level operational strategies into actionable tasks for frontline teams. Habershaw ensures that the Chief Operating Officer receives accurate data to make informed decisions regarding fleet maintenance and service scheduling. Through diligent coordination, the Chief of Staff to the COO maintains operational focus on safety and efficiency across the entire transit network.

    Mallory Bedford - Project Coordinator & Chief Operating Officer, Office of

    Mallory Bedford, the Project Coordinator & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, manages the administrative workflow and project tracking for the office of the Chief Operating Officer. Bedford organizes complex schedules and ensures that critical operational projects receive the necessary support to reach completion. By maintaining documentation and tracking progress on infrastructure initiatives, the Project Coordinator & Chief Operating Officer, Office of facilitates clear communication across the leadership team. Mallory Bedford assists in the preparation of reports that detail the status of subway and bus service improvements. This role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure that operational goals align with the company's commitment to reliability. Bedford provides the organizational structure required to manage high-volume transit demands effectively. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Project Coordinator & Chief Operating Officer, Office of supports the successful execution of strategic operational objectives.

    Phillip Harrison - Chief of Staff

    Phillip Harrison, the Chief of Staff at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, manages internal communications and coordinates strategic initiatives across the executive leadership team. Harrison facilitates the alignment of departmental goals with the broader mission of providing accessible transit services. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff improves organizational agility and decision-making speed. Phillip Harrison monitors the execution of high-priority projects, ensuring that resources remain allocated toward improving transit reliability and user experience. This role involves bridging gaps between various operational divisions to foster a cohesive approach to regional transportation challenges. Harrison supports the executive office by preparing briefings and managing stakeholder relationships that impact the long-term viability of the transit system. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional collaboration, the Chief of Staff drives the internal culture toward excellence and operational transparency.

    Mieka Lewis - Fare Transformation Chief of Staff

    Mieka Lewis, the Fare Transformation Chief of Staff at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, leads the administrative and strategic efforts to modernize the fare collection system. Lewis oversees the implementation of new payment technologies designed to improve accessibility and user convenience for all transit riders. By coordinating with technical teams and external vendors, the Fare Transformation Chief of Staff ensures that the transition to updated fare programs remains on schedule. Mieka Lewis manages the communication strategy regarding fare changes and reduced-fare programs for seniors and other eligible groups. This role involves analyzing usage data to optimize revenue collection and passenger throughput. Lewis supports the executive team by identifying potential risks in the transformation process and developing mitigation plans. Through focused project management, the Fare Transformation Chief of Staff drives the modernization of the payment infrastructure to support a more sustainable and user-friendly transit experience.

    Gideon Guilman - Chief of Staff To the Chief Engineer

    Gideon Guilman, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Engineer at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, manages the administrative and technical coordination for the engineering division. Guilman oversees the scheduling of critical infrastructure projects, including track maintenance and station upgrades. By facilitating communication between engineering teams and executive leadership, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Engineer ensures that technical requirements align with safety and sustainability standards. Gideon Guilman tracks the progress of capital projects to ensure that transit reliability remains a top priority. This role involves managing the flow of technical documentation and project updates to support informed decision-making. Guilman coordinates with external contractors and internal stakeholders to resolve engineering challenges that impact service delivery. Through effective project oversight, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Engineer drives the modernization of the physical assets that support the entire transit network.

    Tom Waye - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tom Waye, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, directs the talent acquisition, employee relations, and workforce development strategies. Waye oversees the recruitment of skilled personnel necessary to operate and maintain the complex transit systems. By implementing training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staff members possess the expertise required to uphold safety and service standards. Tom Waye manages labor relations and compensation structures to maintain a stable and motivated workforce. This leadership role involves developing policies that promote an inclusive and efficient work environment across all transit divisions. Waye collaborates with other executives to align human capital strategies with the company's long-term goals for transit reliability. Through proactive workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the operational capacity needed to serve the Greater Boston area effectively and sustainably.

    Darrin McAuliffe - Dpty Chief Of Staff

    Darrin McAuliffe, the Dpty Chief Of Staff at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, assists in the management of executive operations and internal policy implementation. McAuliffe supports the Chief of Staff in coordinating cross-departmental initiatives that enhance transit service delivery. By monitoring daily administrative tasks, the Dpty Chief Of Staff ensures that the executive office functions efficiently. Darrin McAuliffe facilitates communication between various divisions to resolve operational bottlenecks and improve service reliability. This role involves preparing briefings and managing the flow of information to the leadership team regarding transit performance. McAuliffe contributes to the development of strategic plans that focus on improving the user experience for all passengers. Through consistent support of executive functions, the Dpty Chief Of Staff helps maintain the organizational focus on providing accessible and sustainable transportation solutions across the region.

    Alessandra Bouchard - Chief of Staff To the Chief Safety Officer

    Alessandra Bouchard, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Safety Officer at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, manages the administrative and strategic coordination for the safety and security division. Bouchard oversees the implementation of safety protocols across all transit modes, including subway, bus, and rail. By facilitating communication between safety teams and executive leadership, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Safety Officer ensures that all operations adhere to rigorous safety standards. Alessandra Bouchard tracks safety performance metrics and coordinates the response to operational incidents. This role involves managing the documentation of safety audits and compliance reports required for regulatory oversight. Bouchard supports the Chief Safety Officer in developing initiatives that reduce risk and enhance the overall security of the transit network. Through diligent coordination, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Safety Officer drives the commitment to a safe and reliable transit experience.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority?
    Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is led by Mary Ann O'Hara (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Ryan Coholan (Chief Operating Officer) and Deirdre Habershaw (Chief of Staff to the COO).
    Who is part of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority includes leaders such as Mary Ann O'Hara (Chief Financial Officer), Ryan Coholan (Chief Operating Officer), Deirdre Habershaw (Chief of Staff to the COO) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority have?
    Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff to the COO, Project Coordinator & Chief Operating Officer, Office of, Chief of Staff.