MTA Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

MTA has 10 executives leading key functions including executive strategy, infrastructure engineering, accessibility innovation, and digital systems management.

Committed to regional mobility, MTA maintains critical public transportation infrastructure while driving long-term capital modernization plans to enhance accessibility and safety for millions of daily passengers across the New York metropolitan area.

Leadership Roles at MTA

  • Chief Executive Officer - Gregory Berberich
  • Chief Executive Officer & Chairman - John Lieber
  • Senior Innovation Strategist & Chief Executive Officer, Mta Accessibility, Office of The Chair & , Mta Headquarters - Mira Philipson
  • Facilities Engineer & Chief Executive Officer, Projects - Sam Tabikh
  • Vice President and Projects Chief Executive Officer - Alaadien Waziry
  • Director and Program Chief Executive Officer - Ajay Chilhan
  • Senior Vice President, Project Chief Executive Officer. Ave Subway - Saqib Rizwan
  • Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Corporate Products & Systems - Ram Seshan
  • Chief of Staff, York City Transit - Franck Joseph
  • Senior Director, Strategic Planning & Chief Information Officer, Governmental Affairs Office of - L. Ngonga
  • Gregory Berberich - Chief Executive Officer

    Gregory Berberich, the Chief Executive Officer at MTA, directs high-level organizational strategy for the entire public transportation network. Berberich oversees the integration of subway, bus, and commuter rail operations to ensure seamless transit across the New York metropolitan area. By aligning departmental goals with state government mandates, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility. This leadership role involves constant coordination with the Board to secure funding for infrastructure maintenance and service improvements. Gregory Berberich monitors daily performance metrics to identify bottlenecks in the transit system. Through rigorous oversight of capital planning, the Chief Executive Officer drives long-term modernization efforts. Ultimately, Berberich ensures that the agency meets the evolving mobility needs of millions of passengers while upholding safety standards across all bridges, tunnels, and rail lines.

    John Lieber - Chief Executive Officer & Chairman

    John Lieber, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman at MTA, governs the strategic direction and board-level decision-making for the agency. Lieber manages the complex relationship between public transit operations and state government oversight. As the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, Lieber architects the vision for regional transit expansion and infrastructure resilience. This role requires balancing immediate service demands with the necessity of long-term capital investment in bridges and tunnels. John Lieber leads high-level negotiations to secure resources for system-wide upgrades. By fostering collaboration among executive leadership, the Chairman ensures that the agency remains focused on its core mission of providing reliable transportation. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, Lieber drives the implementation of policies that improve passenger accessibility. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman secures the operational stability of the entire metropolitan transit network.
    John Lieber

    Mira Philipson - Senior Innovation Strategist & Chief Executive Officer, Mta Accessibility, Office of The Chair & , Mta Headquarters

    Mira Philipson, the Senior Innovation Strategist & Chief Executive Officer, Mta Accessibility, Office of The Chair & , Mta Headquarters at MTA, directs initiatives focused on universal design and system-wide accessibility. Philipson architects programs that remove physical and digital barriers for passengers across the entire transit network. As the Senior Innovation Strategist & Chief Executive Officer, Mta Accessibility, Office of The Chair & , Mta Headquarters, Philipson evaluates new technologies to improve station navigation and vehicle boarding. This leadership role involves collaborating with engineering teams to integrate accessibility features into capital improvement projects. Mira Philipson monitors compliance with federal and state mandates to ensure equitable transit access. By championing inclusive design, the Senior Innovation Strategist & Chief Executive Officer, Mta Accessibility, Office of The Chair & , Mta Headquarters drives significant improvements in the daily experience of riders with disabilities throughout the region.

    Sam Tabikh - Facilities Engineer & Chief Executive Officer, Projects

    Sam Tabikh, the Facilities Engineer & Chief Executive Officer, Projects at MTA, manages the technical execution of large-scale infrastructure upgrades. Tabikh oversees the maintenance and modernization of critical transit facilities, including stations and maintenance depots. As the Facilities Engineer & Chief Executive Officer, Projects, Tabikh directs engineering teams to ensure that all construction projects meet safety and performance standards. This role involves coordinating with external contractors and internal departments to minimize service disruptions during major renovations. Sam Tabikh evaluates structural integrity and operational capacity to support the agency's long-term capital plans. By optimizing project workflows, the Facilities Engineer & Chief Executive Officer, Projects drives efficiency in the delivery of essential infrastructure improvements. Ultimately, Tabikh ensures that the physical assets of the transit system remain reliable and capable of supporting millions of daily commuters.

    Alaadien Waziry - Vice President and Projects Chief Executive Officer

    Alaadien Waziry, the Vice President and Projects Chief Executive Officer at MTA, leads the planning and implementation of complex transit expansion projects. Waziry oversees the lifecycle of major capital investments, from initial design to final commissioning. As the Vice President and Projects Chief Executive Officer, Waziry directs cross-functional teams to ensure that projects remain on schedule and within budget. This leadership role involves managing risks associated with large-scale construction in dense urban environments. Alaadien Waziry coordinates with regional stakeholders to align project outcomes with broader transportation goals. By implementing rigorous project management methodologies, the Vice President and Projects Chief Executive Officer drives the successful completion of critical infrastructure upgrades. Ultimately, Waziry ensures that the agency's capital program effectively expands capacity and improves the overall quality of service for the entire metropolitan area.

    Ajay Chilhan - Director and Program Chief Executive Officer

    Ajay Chilhan, the Director and Program Chief Executive Officer at MTA, manages the strategic portfolio of transit programs designed to enhance system reliability. Chilhan directs the allocation of resources across various operational initiatives to ensure consistent service delivery. As the Director and Program Chief Executive Officer, Chilhan evaluates program performance against key metrics such as on-time reliability and passenger satisfaction. This role involves coordinating with department heads to streamline operational processes and reduce maintenance backlogs. Ajay Chilhan monitors the progress of multi-year programs to ensure alignment with the agency's overarching capital strategy. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the Director and Program Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence across the subway and bus networks. Ultimately, Chilhan ensures that the agency's programs effectively support the daily mobility needs of the region's diverse population.

    Saqib Rizwan - Senior Vice President, Project Chief Executive Officer. Ave Subway

    Saqib Rizwan, the Senior Vice President, Project Chief Executive Officer. Ave Subway at MTA, directs the modernization and maintenance of specific subway line infrastructure. Rizwan oversees the technical execution of track upgrades, signaling improvements, and station renovations within the subway division. As the Senior Vice President, Project Chief Executive Officer. Ave Subway, Rizwan manages the daily operations of engineering teams tasked with ensuring system safety and reliability. This leadership role involves coordinating with maintenance crews to address urgent infrastructure needs while advancing long-term capital projects. Saqib Rizwan evaluates the impact of construction activities on passenger flow to minimize service interruptions. By prioritizing critical repairs and system enhancements, the Senior Vice President, Project Chief Executive Officer. Ave Subway drives the operational health of the subway network. Ultimately, Rizwan ensures that the transit system remains safe and efficient for millions of daily riders.

    Ram Seshan - Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Corporate Products & Systems

    Ram Seshan, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Corporate Products & Systems at MTA, directs the development and maintenance of the agency's digital infrastructure. Seshan oversees the implementation of corporate software solutions and internal systems that support daily operations. As the Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Corporate Products & Systems, Seshan manages the integration of new technologies to improve data management and administrative efficiency. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to ensure that digital tools align with the agency's broader strategic goals. Ram Seshan monitors cybersecurity protocols to protect critical transit data and operational systems. By driving the modernization of corporate platforms, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Corporate Products & Systems ensures that the agency maintains a robust technological foundation. Ultimately, Seshan supports the organization's mission by providing the digital capabilities necessary for effective management and service delivery.

    Franck Joseph - Chief of Staff, York City Transit

    Franck Joseph, the Chief of Staff, York City Transit at MTA, coordinates the administrative and operational activities of the city transit division. Joseph manages the flow of information between executive leadership and departmental teams to ensure organizational alignment. As the Chief of Staff, York City Transit, Joseph facilitates the execution of strategic initiatives and monitors progress on key performance indicators. This leadership role involves managing internal communications and resolving operational bottlenecks that impact service delivery. Franck Joseph supports the division's leadership in navigating complex policy challenges and resource allocation decisions. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff, York City Transit drives efficiency and clarity across the transit division. Ultimately, Joseph ensures that the agency's daily operations remain focused on providing reliable and safe transportation services to the millions of passengers who depend on the city transit network.

    L. Ngonga - Senior Director, Strategic Planning & Chief Information Officer, Governmental Affairs Office of

    L. Ngonga, the Senior Director, Strategic Planning & Chief Information Officer, Governmental Affairs Office of at MTA, directs the long-term planning efforts and information technology strategy within the governmental affairs sector. Ngonga oversees the alignment of transit policy with state and local government objectives. As the Senior Director, Strategic Planning & Chief Information Officer, Governmental Affairs Office of, Ngonga manages the data systems that support policy analysis and legislative reporting. This leadership role involves coordinating with government officials to secure support for transit initiatives and capital funding. L. Ngonga evaluates demographic and ridership data to inform future service planning and infrastructure investments. By integrating strategic planning with robust information management, the Senior Director, Strategic Planning & Chief Information Officer, Governmental Affairs Office of drives the agency's ability to respond to evolving regional needs. Ultimately, Ngonga ensures that the organization maintains strong governmental partnerships and data-driven decision-making.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding MTA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads MTA?
    MTA is led by Gregory Berberich (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Lieber (Chief Executive Officer & Chairman) and Mira Philipson (Senior Innovation Strategist & Chief Executive Officer, Mta Accessibility, Office of The Chair & , Mta Headquarters).
    Who is part of MTA’s executive team?
    The executive team of MTA includes leaders such as Gregory Berberich (Chief Executive Officer), John Lieber (Chief Executive Officer & Chairman), Mira Philipson (Senior Innovation Strategist & Chief Executive Officer, Mta Accessibility, Office of The Chair & , Mta Headquarters) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does MTA have?
    MTA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in MTA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of MTA includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, Senior Innovation Strategist & Chief Executive Officer, Mta Accessibility, Office of The Chair & , Mta Headquarters, Facilities Engineer & Chief Executive Officer, Projects, Vice President and Projects Chief Executive Officer.