New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair/CEO Janno Lieber named three officials to senior strategic roles, including Demetrius Crichlow as the 12th permanent president of New York City Transit. 

Crichlow takes the role after serving over four months in interim capacity and after a decades long career at the MTA. 

As president, Crichlow will oversee the 50,000-person workforce, including operations for New York City subways, buses, paratransit services, and the Staten Island Railway.

Additional Appointments

Tim Mulligan, currently deputy chief development officer at MTA Construction and Development, is appointed to a newly created role, chief of rolling stock program.

Mersida Ibric is named as the chief people officer after serving six months in an acting capacity.

Each brings key leadership experience that will forward the MTA’s mission of delivering reliable, safe, and fast service and join the most diverse senior leadership team the MTA has ever assembled — of the Chair and CEO’s direct reports, 50% are women and 40% are people of color.

“We’re talking about commitment, pride in the system, its legacy and its importance to New York, which is why I am really proud to announce these appointments today,” said Lieber. “Today’s the day for celebrating and getting to work delivering for New Yorkers and I know we are going to be able to because you are the right people.”

MTA’s New President

Crichlow has been appointed the president of New York City Transit. He has served as the interim president of New York City Transit since May 2024, with a focus on safety and service. 

During his time as interim president, Crichlow oversaw major service changes on the G Line​, ensuring customers had reliable alternative bus service while the G​ was closed for a critical signal modernization project. 

He also oversaw enhanced service on several other lines. Crichlow’s efforts have led to recent ridership records with over 4.35 million riders on a single day.

“I’ve been here for 27 going on 28 years and I’ve learned the system, the people. But I’m always learning more and we’re at a point where this organization is prepared to change with new cars, new infrastructure and it needs a steady hand to guide it,” said Crichlow. “I’m honored to be taking on that role, it means the world to me and acknowledges a lifelong career of public service and now it’s time to get to work."

Crichlow is the 12th permanent president of New York City Transit since the agency adopted its current leadership structure in 1973.