Helena Williams named president of LIRR

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority appointed Helena E. Williams president of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).

Williams takes over for Acting President Raymond P. Kenny, who has overseen the agency since James Dermody departed in September.

A longtime Nassau County resident, Williams has previously served as president of MTA Long Island Bus, where she implemented the Metrocard, initiated a new paratransit service and helped the agency transition to a fleet of eco-friendly buses.

Beginning her new role June 18, Williams’ initial priorities for the LIRR include customer safety, service reliability and laying the groundwork for meeting future transportation demand.