METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Former NYCT head joins HNTB to lead transit, rail market sector

Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim has led some of the largest transportation agencies in the country.

February 3, 2020
Former NYCT head joins HNTB to lead transit, rail market sector

Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim has led some of the largest transportation agencies in the U.S.

2 min to read


Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim has led some of the largest transportation agencies in the U.S.

Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim, a career transit and transportation professional who has led some of the largest transportation agencies in the country, joined HNTB as national transit and rail market sector leader and senior vice president on Feb. 3. Hakim is based in HNTB’s New York City office in the Empire State Building and will work with clients across the country.

Hakim is responsible for collaborating with HNTB leadership nationwide on strategic planning and implementation, industry representation, business development, service delivery, and client collaboration and satisfaction.

Hakim brings to HNTB 33 years of industry leadership experience. She most recently served as managing director of the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority, where she was responsible for leading more than 70,000 employees in five operating agencies, overseeing transit systems that carry 9 million riders each day. She also was responsible for promoting the 2015-2019 $32.5 billion MTA Capital Program as well as working on the framework for the 2020-2024 $51.5 billion Capital Program.

Hakim’s executive leadership experience also includes serving as president of MTA New York City Transit, executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and executive director of New Jersey Transit, the only statewide transit system in the country and the nation’s third largest operator of buses, rail and light rail transit.

Ad Loading...

She also served as executive vice president and general counsel of the MTA’s Capital Construction subsidiary, the unit that manages the largest improvement and expansion projects in the nation, including East Side Access, where the Long Island Rail Road is being expanded to serve the iconic Grand Central Terminal.

Over the course of her career, Hakim has been recognized as an industry leader by professional associations, including the American Public Transportation Association, American Council of Engineering Companies, Women’s Transportation Seminar, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, General Contractors Association, Women Builders Council, the Alliance for Action, and the Subcontractors Trade Association. She is sought as a speaker by many industry associations.



More Management

Austin Light Rail rendering from UT perspective
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 30, 2026

Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life

Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.

Read More →
Technology•October 30, 2026

ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust

ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.

Read More →
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 29, 2026

Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail

The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Justin Augustine III, CEO for New Orleans RTA
Management•by Alex Roman•October 29, 2026

New Orleans RTA Names Augustine III as New CEO

In this edition, we also spotlight recent personnel moves at HDR, PATH, STV, and more, highlighting the people taking on new roles across the transportation industry.

Read More →
A ballot drop-off box marked “Vote” stands in the foreground at a transit station, with public transit buses visible in the background.
Management•by Elora Haynes•October 28, 2026

How Transit Agencies Are Using Free Rides to Improve Voting Access

Transit agencies are using fare-free service, trip-planning tools, and targeted rides to improve voting access. See what other agencies can learn from these efforts.

Read More →
A Caltrain electric railcar on the tracks
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 27, 2026

Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth

The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
METRO Magazine graphic featuring a Chicago Transit Authority bus at a transit station with the headline “Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs.”
Management•by Elora Haynes•October 27, 2026

Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs

CTA launched crisis intervention teams as CATS prepares to deploy fare ambassadors, expanding customer assistance and security efforts across both systems.

Read More →
An A line MTA subway car near the soon to be replaced signaling system.
Rail•by Staff and News Reports•October 23, 2026

New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project

Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.

Read More →
Turning Transportation Challenges into Opportunities
Management•by Alex Roman•October 22, 2026

Brian Dickson on Building Stronger, More Resilient Transportation Organizations

Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Groundbreaking ceremony for LA Metro's Vermont Transit Corridor BRT
Bus•by Staff and News Reports•October 22, 2026

LA Metro Breaks Ground on Vermont BRT Project

The 12.4-mile corridor is projected to serve 66,200 daily riders, reduce travel times by up to 24%, and create the nation's busiest bus rapid transit corridor.

Read More →