Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Kris Kolluri will continue as president & CEO of NJ Transit, while also leading New Jersey Turnpike Authority
- Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill says dual role will improve coordination across New Jersey transportation systems
- Kolluri will oversee day-to-day operations at both agencies; take $1 salary from the Turnpike Authority
- Appointment comes as state prepares for increased transit demands tied to the FIFA World Cup
Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill announced Thursday Kris Kolluri will continue as president and CEO of NJ Transit, while she will also nominate him as executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
Sherrill says the dual role aims to better coordinate the state’s major transportation systems and improve daily commutes.
Kolluri will oversee day-to-day operations at both agencies and will take a $1 salary from the Turnpike Authority. The dual appointment comes as New Jersey prepares for major transportation demands, including hosting events tied to the FIFA World Cup.
Sherrill said the decision reflects the need for a more collaborative and creative approach when it comes to addressing challenges and opportunities affecting the state. She stressed this is especially true “as we update New Jersey’s approach to transit.”
Driving forward
“That’s why I am excited to announce that Kris Kolluri will not only be continuing in his role as President and CEO of NJ Transit but will also be nominated to be the Executive Director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority,” said Sherrill in a Jan. 8 statement. “He brings decades of experience with every major transit agency in the region, and his leadership will be key as we rethink the future of transportation in New Jersey to improve commutes, improve coordination, and make sure New Jerseyans spend more time with family and friends, and less time stuck on a train or on the turnpike.
“Additionally, as we prepare to welcome tens of thousands of people when we host the FIFA World Cup, Kris will ensure safety and efficiency as we move people on our buses, trains, and highways.”
Kolluri began leading NJ Transit in January 2025, bringing extensive public-sector and infrastructure experience to the expanded role. He previously served as commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (2006–2008). At that same time, he also chaired the boards of NJ Transit and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
Prior to taking the helm at NJ Transit, Kolluri served as CEO of the Gateway Development Commission. In that role, he oversaw the $16.1 billion Hudson Tunnel Project. At GDC, Kolluri helped secured historic levels of federal funding, while launching the first new Hudson River rail tunnel construction in more than a century, as NJBIZ has previously and extensively reported on.
The latest announcement marks a major pivot, as Kolluri previously indicated he would depart NJ Transit later this month. “I said I’m leaving at the end of the January, and I have not changed my mind,” he told reporters in November.
Sherrill chooses Chaly to head NJ higher education
Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill announced another cabinet pick Jan. 8, tapping Margo Chaly as her nominee to serve as New Jersey’s next secretary of higher education.
Chaly currently serves as executive director of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. At NJHESAA she directs over tens of billions of dollars in need-based grants, scholarships and financial aid to help thousands of students across the state.
Brian Bridges most recently served as the secretary of higher education, departing at the end of 2025. Angela Bethea is serving as acting secretary of higher education in the interim.
Sherrill says she looks forward to working with Chaly to make the state’s world-class higher education more affordable for all residents, ensure colleges and universities have the resources needed to thrive, and expand New Jersey’s workforce.
“Margo Chaly is an experienced, innovative leader, and I’m excited to nominate her as New Jersey’s next secretary of higher education,” said Sherrill. “Margo brings years of leadership experience in helping students and families afford higher education which will be critical as we fight back against cuts from the federal government.”
Looking forward
Chaly thanked Sherrill for her trust and for the opportunity to continue supporting higher education here in the Garden State.
“While the Trump administration continues to cut funding that makes college affordable for students and guts research funding at our schools it’s critical we support the thousands of New Jerseyans who want to pursue a college degree,” said Chaly. “I look forward to working with Gov.-elect Sherrill and our partners in the state Legislature to make higher education more affordable and accessible for every New Jerseyan.”
Sherrill noted that New Jersey has some of the best colleges and universities in the world.
“Yet far too many of our students are pursuing their degrees out of state,” said Sherrill. “Every New Jerseyan deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education in the Garden State.”
Now, as he maintains his NJ Transit leadership role and takes on the head position at NJTA, Kolluri is poised for a key role in the new Sherrill administration.
“I am excited to lead both NJ TRANSIT and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority alongside Gov.-elect Sherrill, who shares a desire to innovate and improve New Jersey’s transit systems,” said Kolluri, who has overseen a major train and bus fleet overhaul at NJ Transit. “New Jersey’s success relies on the Turnpike and NJ TRANSIT working together and by overseeing both agencies, particularly for a major security event like the World Cup, I’ll be able to ensure that we eliminate silos and are working in lockstep to provide better service to the people of New Jersey and those visiting our state.
“Gov.-elect Sherrill has been laser-focused on improving New Jersey’s transit systems since her time in Congress, and I know that her administration will share that same focus, for the World Cup and beyond.”
‘Exactly the right choice’
At the NJTA, Kolluri would succeed Jim Carone. Named executive director in 2023, Carone has been with the agency for several decades.
“First, I want to thank Jim Carone for his over 40 years of service to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. His work has been critical in improving highway safety across the state and will benefit generations of New Jerseyans to come,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Fran O’Connor.
O’Connor applauded the move to tap Kolluri — particularly in this critical moment.
“And with an event as large as the World Cup coming to our state, New Jersey needs a strong leader who can streamline oversight and communication as tens of thousands of people use our bus, rail, and highway systems,” said O’Connor. “Gov.-elect Sherrill has made exactly the right choice in appointing Kris Kolluri to do just that.
“Kris brings decades of experience and will be able to continue to prepare our state for the World Cup but make real-time decisions to ensure our transit systems are working efficiently while protecting public safety.”
‘Unified leadership is essential’
In a statement, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce applauded the decision to select Kolluri for these two roles.
“At a time when New Jersey’s transportation network is undergoing a critical transformation – and as our state prepares to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – strong, unified leadership is essential,” said Tom Bracken, president and CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “Kris Kolluri’s proven experience, steady hand, and commitment to public service make him uniquely qualified to guide both agencies through this pivotal moment.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:41 a.m. Jan. 9, 2026, to include a statement from the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
